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Wellesley Police log: Gardening complaints; too busy to move car; scammers out in force

August 7, 2021 by Bob Brown

Wellesley Police DepartmentWellesley, MA Police log for the week of July 26-Aug. 1:

ON July 26, 2021 at 2:00 a.m. Officer Rosenberg was on patrol on Washington Street near Wellesley Ave when he observed a Chevrolet sedan and conducted a query of the registration.  The query showed that the registration was suspended.  The vehicle was towed and the operator was issued a citation.

On July 26, 2021 at 9:30 a.m. Officer Mankavech spoke with a female party regarding a Porta-Potty that had been tipped over.  The reporting party had captured two male parties on her home security camera system.  Officer Mankavech is investigating. (More on Wellesley’s porta potty problems)

On July 26, 2021 at 11:24 a.m. Officer Kane spoke with a female reporting party who stated a family member attempted to renew their TSA known traveler information online on the website tsaprogram.ttp.us.com which was flagged by their credit card company as being a fraudulent charge.  She cancelled her credit card but was concerned the family member’s personal information was compromised.  Officer Kane advised her to monitor her credit and credit cards for any suspicious activity.

On July 26, 2021 at 3:40 p.m. Officer Pino spoke with a female reporting party regarding a bicycle that had been left unlocked at Morses Pond since June 24th that had been taken.  She stated that she noticed a photo on What’s Up Wellesley of her bicycle at Morses Pond and went to retrieve it but found it was no longer there.  There are no suspects.


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On July 26, 2021 at 5:05 p.m. Officer Misho spoke with a female party who stated she received a credit card statement in the mail on July 22nd for an account she did not open.  She contacted the credit card company and advised them she had not opened the account and was advised she would not be responsible for the charges.  Officer Misho advised her to notify her existing credit card companies of the attempted fraud and provided her with a resource guide for victims of identity theft.

On July 26, 2021 at 6:20 p.m. Officer Dixon was on patrol on Worcester Street when the license plate reader in his police vehicle alerted him that the registration was revoked on a gray Mercedes that was traveling in front of him.  He stopped the vehicle and spoke with the operator and confirmed that the registration was revoked in June.  The operator will be summonsed to Dedham District Court for Operating a Motor Vehicle with a Revoked Registration and Operating an Uninsured Motor Vehicle.

On July 27, 2021 at 12:14 p.m. Officer Kane spoke with a male party regarding Porta-Potties that were knocked over at some point over the weekend.  He stated he contacted the company he rented them from on July 26th to put them back in place and clean them and they did not show up as promised.  He contacted them again on the 27th to request that they be cleaned and uprighted.

On July 28, 2021 at 4:45 p.m. Officer Dixon spoke with a female party about her garden being vandalized.  She believed another resident in the apartment building was responsible for the vandalism.  She indicated she would be installing a security camera.

On July 28, 2021 at 5:15 p.m. Officer Dixon spoke with a male party who reported receiving harassing emails and phone calls from an unknown male party.  The male party did not wish to pursue the matter at this time but wished to documents the incidents should the unwanted emails and phone calls continue.

On July 29, 2021 at 1:41 p.m. Officer Cunningham spoke with a female employee of the Wellesley Public School system regarding a package that was stolen.  She stated the items were delivered on July 9th and were stolen.  There are no suspects.

On July 29, 2021 at 4:55 p.m. Officer Scopa spoke with a female party regarding a possible scam.  She stated she had googled the phone number for a local locksmith and left a message.  She received a call back from what she thought was the local locksmith and made an appointment for

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Filed Under: Crime, Police

     

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Wellesley Police log: Naked photo exchange goes badly; kid injured by other kids in woods; distraught man helped

July 29, 2021 by Bob Brown

Wellesley Police DepartmentWellesley, MA police log for rhe week of July 19-23:

Incidents in this report are unrelated to one another unless specifically noted.

On July 19, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. Officer DeBernardi spoke with an adult male reporting party who stated he was a victim of an internet scam where he was chatting with an unknown female party on Instagram and SnapChat.  He stated they agreed to exchange naked photos to each other and when he sent photos to her she demanded money and threatened to send the photos to his friends and family.  He sent a small amount of money initially and refused to send more money.  The unknown female party sent the photos to some of his contacts when he didn’t pay additional money.  The Wellesley Police Department is investigating similar incidents that have occurred recently.

On July 19, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. Officer DeBernardi spoke with a juvenile and their parents about an incident that had occurred around 5:00 p.m. where the juvenile was tricked into going into a wooded area with another juvenile and then several juveniles known to the juvenile chased, punched and kicked the juvenile.  The juvenile was treated at a local hospital for cuts and bruising sustained as a result of the incident.  Officer DeBernardi spoke with all of the juveniles involved and their parents.  The juveniles recounted similar versions of the event.  Four juveniles will be summonsed to Dedham Juvenile Court for Assault and Battery and Conspiracy. 

On July 21, 2021 at 9:24 p.m. officers were dispatched to a residence for a dispute between two parties regarding the rental of a room in an apartment.  The two parties had signed an agreement indicating the rented space would be available beginning July 21st.  Upon moving items into the apartment the renter was unhappy that the party moving in had guests parked in her parking space and that they were there late at night.  The renter attempted to void their signed agreement.  The officers advised both parties that this was a civil matter and if the renter wanted to terminate the agreement she would need to do so through a court proceeding.   Officers spoke with the same individuals on July 25th.  The renter indicated she believed the tenant had taken some of her belongings.  The tenant admitted she moved the belongings because the renter had taken one of her belongings.  They were advised to speak to the civil division at the Dedham District Court.

On July 23, 2021 at 12:01 p.m. officers spoke with a male party who came into the police station and indicated that he no longer wanted to live.  The male party indicated earlier in the day he attempted to jump into traffic in hopes of being struck by a vehicle.  He was transported to a local hospital for evaluation.

Plus: Puppy stolen fron Wellesley yard, found safe in Framingham

Filed Under: Crime, Police

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Puppy stolen from Wellesley front yard, found safe in Framingham

July 26, 2021 by Bob Brown

Wellesley residents found it hard to believe that someone would swipe their 8-month-old black lab pup, Ember, from a tether in their front yard during broad daylight. But when the dog went missing during a brief period of time on July 22 the Nissenbaum family contacted the Wellesley Police Department to investigate.

Wellesley dog found
Wellesley Chief Jack Pilecki (at podium) briefs the media on details of the dog-napping. 

Pet theft “is highly unusual here in Wellesley,” said Wellesley Police Lt. Marie Cleary.

With the cooperation of neighbors in the Redwing Road neighborhood, some of whom shared security camera footage, the police identified a vehicle that had been circling the victim’s home a few times before the disappearance. Officers Derek Harris and Mike Mankavech went door-to-door in search of the evidence, and Harris joined forces with Detective Mark D’Innocenzo to determine the license plate of the vehicle, registered to a Framingham resident.

On Sunday, July 25, Wellesley Police ventured to Framingham and spotted the dog in the suspect’s yard. They worked with Framingham police to recover Ember, arrest one suspect, and identify another who will appear in court at a later date.

Both suspects will be charged with receiving stolen property over $1,200, and conspiracy.

“We are deeply grateful for all of the community support and especially appreciative of the hard work and dedication of the Wellesley Police force. We’re particularly thankful to Officers Harris and Mankavech, and Detective and D’Innocenzo for their quick work in bringing our Ember home safe to us,” said Illana Nissenbaum, who along with her husband Neil had a happy reunion with Ember at the Wellesley Police station on Sunday night.

The whole family came down to the police station to answer questions and present officers with a card and a small token of their appreciation. Talia (13), Aleah (11), and Aaron (9) are just glad to have their family member back. “She’s part of our family,” Talia explained, “Like she was born into our family.”

Everyone is all smiles now, thankful that this event that will surely go down in the Nissenbaum family history books turned out to be formative in the right way. “We’re just happy to have Ember back. We’re not focusing on those who took Ember,” Illana said.

“Ember is guilty of being too cute,” Aaron said.

We believe the penalty for such pups is two treats and a nap. With a face like that, she’ll undoubtedly be one of those cuteness repeat offenders. Keep that one on a short leash.

Ember is back (Photo courtesy of Wellesley Police Department)

 

ember dog
Illana & Neil Nissenbaum reunite with Ember, alongside Officer Derek Harris

 


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Filed Under: Animals, Crime, Police

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Wellesley Police log: Business partnership ends badly; danger on the roads; teens accused of troublemaking on Linden Street

June 2, 2021 by Bob Brown

Wellesley Police DepartmentWellesley MA police log for the week of May 25-30:

Arrests

On April 22, 2021 Officer Cunningham received notification that a known suspect was in custody in New Hampshire.  He was aware that there were four default warrants for her issued by the Dedham District Court.  On May 25, 2021 he went to Dover, New Hampshire and took the woman into custody.  She was transported to the Wellesley Police Department where she was booked in the usual manner, afforded all rights and transported to Dedham District Court.

On May 28, 2021 at 9:50 a.m. Officer Mankavech was conducting a security check of parking lots in the Lower Falls area.  The License Plate Reader in his marked cruiser altered him to the fact that there were two active warrants for a woman issued by Brookline District Court for Larceny from a Building and Credit Card Fraud.  She was taken into custody, transported to the station, booked in the usual manner, afforded all rights and later transported to Dedham District Court.

Incidents

On May 26, 2021 at 2:10 a.m. Officer Knapp was conducting traffic enforcement on Worcester Street when he observed a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed.  He confirmed the Honda sedan’s speed to be 85 mph in a 50 mph zone.  He stopped the vehicle and spoke with the female party, who stated her driver’s license was suspended.  He confirmed the license suspension with the registry of motor vehicles.  The operator will be summonsed to Dedham District Court for Operating a Motor Vehicle with a Suspended License and Speeding.

On May 27, 2021 at 1:50 p.m. Officer J. Popovski spoke with a female party who stated she was being harassed by two former business partners.  The female party stated that she dissolved the partnership and they are now threatening to harm her reputation.  Officer Popovski advised the reporting party that it is a civil dispute and suggested she speak with an attorney. 

On May 27, 2021 at 2:27 p.m. Officer J. Popovski spoke with a male reporting party regarding a stolen cellular phone.  The reporting party stated that he must had inadvertently left his cell phone on his vehicle when he parked in the Municipal Parking Lot near Church Street.   He attempted to call the number and the phone was answered by an unknown individual.  He activated his find my phone app and found the phone resting on a trash barrel on Washington Street near State Street.  There are no suspects.

On May 29, 2021 at 4:52 p.m. Officer Harris was dispatched to the Sprague School Fields for a report of an elderly female party who appeared confused.  The female party was able to provide officers with her name, but was unable to provide them with any additional information.   Officers were able to locate family members who resided nearby who stated the female party suffers from memory issues.  They responded to pick up the female party and return her home.  Officer Harris advised them our Elder Resource Officers would be advised of the incident and would reach out to them with some information about resources potentially available to assist them.

On May 29, 2021 at 11:27 p.m. Officer Harris was dispatched to a residence for an unknown male party attempting to gain access to the residence with a key.  A juvenile party was located around the side of the house and appeared to be intoxicated.  He was able to communicate his address to the officers and an adult was contacted to take custody of the juvenile.  The parent indicated they had previously lived at this address and had moved a few years ago.   The parent refused medical treatment for the juvenile. 

On May 30, 2021 at 3:37 a.m. Officer Dennehy was dispatched to Worcester Street near Oakland Street for a report of a single car crash.  Upon his arrival he observed a Nissan sedan against a tree.  He spoke with the male operator who indicated he was traveling from Framingham to Brockton, but was unsure how the crash occurred and stated he was just following his GPS.  The male party was transported to the hospital for evaluation.  Officer Dennehy spoke further with him at the hospital regarding a license restriction that indicated he could only operate a motor vehicle during daylight hours.  The male party stated that he needs glasses and he was aware that he should not be operating a motor vehicle at night.  He will be summonsed to Dedham District Court Operating a Motor Vehicle in Violation of a License Restriction and Marked Lanes Violation.

On May 30, 2021 at 9:50 a.m. Officer Dennehy responded to a motor vehicle crash on Worcester Street at Washington Street.  He spoke with the female operator of the vehicle who stated she was driving straight ahead when her vehicle suddenly spun out and struck the retaining wall.   The female party was transported to the hospital for evaluation.  She will be summonsed to Dedham District Court for Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle, Marked Lanes Violation and Equipment Violation (bald tires).

On May 30, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. an officer spoke with a male party who stated there is a group of teens that keep entering a building on Linden Street and leaving behind trash and attempting to open packages left for other businesses in the building.  He was advised to contact us in the future should the teens return so we could speak directly with them.

On May 30, 2021 at 1:01 p.m. Officer Kane spoke to a male party who stated he took a ride share home the previous evening and inadvertently left his wallet in the car.  He contacted the ride share company and was advised that the wallet was not located in the vehicle, but there was another fare after his and they were dropped off in Wellesley.  He has an air tag installed in his wallet and it appeared that the wallet was in Wellesley.  Officer Kane responded to that address and the residents indicated they were home the previous evening and did not take a ride share.  There are no suspects.


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Wellesley Police log: Metal pipe used in fight; young cyclist hit in crosswalk; Mysterious pink liquid thrown at house; ‘Mowing ahead’ sign disappears

May 25, 2021 by Bob Brown

Pollinator garden, Wellesley Police Department
Wellesley Police Department

Wellesley MA police log for the week of

Arrests

On May 19, 2021 at 4:10 a.m. officers were dispatched to the area of the Sprague School playing fields for a report of a verbal argument.  Officers located a male and female party near the maintenance building for the fields and observed that the male party was injured and bleeding from his head.   While speaking with the male party the Emergency Communications Center received a call from another individual involved in the incident, and responded to his residence.  The injured male party was reluctant to tell officers what had occurred and was transported to the hospital for evaluation of his head injury.  The female party stated that the male party and the male party who called had gotten into a verbal argument that escalated to a fight earlier in the evening and that the other man left.  She had dropped some items out of her purse and called the female party the man who left had been with and asked if they could come back and help her look for the items.  She stated while she and the other female party were looking for the items in the field the men began arguing again and the man who had left struck the male party in in the head with a metal bar.  When officers spoke with the man who had left he stated that the male party was intoxicated and they got into a physical altercation and he struck him in the head with the pipe because he was in fear for his safety.  The man who left was taken into custody, transported to the station, booked in the usual manner, afforded all rights and held on $2,500 bail.

On May 19, 2021 at 2:12 p.m. officers were assigned to serve a warrant for a Hearing on a Petition for Involuntary Commitment for Alcohol or Substance Use Disorder issued by the Dedham District Court.  The warrant was served and the female party was taken into custody and transported directly to Dedham District Court for the hearing.

On May 22, 2021 at 4:33 p.m. Officer Scopa was dispatched to a motor vehicle crash in the area of Westgate Road and Bristol Road.  He observed a black Audi SUV with severe damage on the driver side of the vehicle.   The driver side quarter panel was almost completely removed from the vehicle.  He also observed a red Ford pickup truck with a trailer that had damage to the driver side front end.  A witness advised Officer Scopa that the pickup truck turned from Bristol Road at too wide of an angle and struck the driver side of the Audi SUV.   Officer Scopa spoke with the operator of the pickup truck,  and noticed he was having difficulty standing, his eyes were glassy and bloodshot had difficulty locating his license in his wallet.   Officer Scopa detected the odor of an alcoholic beverage emanating from the pickup truck driver.  He agreed to take some reasonable tests of balance and coordination to determine if he was able to safely operate a motor vehicle.  He was unable to successfully take these tests.  He was taken into custody, transported to the station, booked in the usual manner, afforded all rights and later released on personal recognizance.

Incidents

On May 17, 2021 at 11:43 a.m. Officer J. Popovski spoke with a male and female party who stated that they inadvertently left an iPad under the female party’s wheel chair in a common area of their apartment building on May 14th and it was stolen.  There were no suspects.

On May 17, 2021 at 7:15 p.m. officers along with the Department’s Mental Health Clinician served an Involuntary Hospitalization Order that was issued by a resident’s physician.  The female party was located at her residence and transported to Newton Wellesley Hospital. 

On May 18, 2021 at 1:22 p.m. Officer J. Popovski spoke with a female party regarding her son being struck by a vehicle while riding his bicycle to school at 7:55 a.m.  The reporting party stated the youth was in the crosswalk on Clifford Street when he was struck by a mid-size white SUV which caused him to go over the handle bars and fall to the ground.  The male party exited the vehicle, asked the youth if he was okay and then left the area.  The youth had scrapes to the palms of this hands and the bicycle was damaged as well.  The are no suspects at this time.

On May 19, 2021 at 2:05 a.m. officers were dispatched to the area of Washington and River Street for a report of a female party acting in an erratic manner.  The female party had entered the reporting party’s vehicle and began throwing the reporting party’s personal belongings out of the car.  She then exited the vehicle and had removed some articles of clothing and was walking around.   She admitted she smoked marijuana laced with PCP.  Officers were unable to get in contact with a family member who could ensure she was safe for the evening.  She was placed in protective custody and transported to Newton Wellesley Hospital by Cataldo Paramedics.

On May 19, 2021 at 2:25 p.m. officers were dispatched to Roche Bros Supermarket for a report of a youth stealing items.  The male party had stolen a bag of chips and non-alcoholic beverage drinks.  He admitted he had taken items from the store in the past.  The store manager did not wish to press criminal charges but issued a letter of no trespass.  The male party was transported to the police station where a parent picked him up and was provided with the letter of no trespass.

On May 20, 2021 at 12:00 p.m. Officer Pino spoke with an employee from Wellesley Department of Public Works who stated he had placed a “Mowing Ahead” sign at the intersection of Linden Street at Weston Road at 9:00 a.m. and when he went back to get the sign it was no longer there.  There are no suspects.

On May 20, 2021 at 4:29 p.m. Officer Harris spoke with a resident who stated on four occasions going back to the winter and again today an unknown person had thrown a pink colored liquid on her house.   She has been able to remove the liquid without any damage to the residence.  The resident suspected it might be a neighbor.  Officer Harris spoke to the neighbor who denied throwing anything at the reporting party’s house and was surprised by the accusation.  Officer Harris suggested that the reporting party install a security camera that might capture video if it were to occur again in the future.

On May 21, 2021 at 7:26 a.m. officers were dispatched to Longfellow Pond parking lot for a report of an intoxicated male party sleeping in a vehicle.  Upon arrival they observed a male party asleep in the passenger seat of the vehicle with an open beer can in his hand.  There were several other empty beer cans in the vehicle.  After waking up the male party he stated he had come to the Pond with a friend and wasn’t sure where that person was now.  Officers contacted a family member who came and picked up the male party.  He will be summonsed to Dedham District Court for Minor Possessing or Transporting Alcohol and Having an Open Container of Alcohol in a Vehicle. 

On May 23, 2021 at 1:39 p.m. officers were dispatched to Morses Pond for a report of a group of youths who had taken a Department of Public Works sign and placed it on top of the bath house.  Officers were able to locate and identify the youths involved.   The Department of Public Works was contacted and they responded to remove the sign from the bathhouse roof.  Officers contacted the parents of the youths involved.  The youths were apologetic for their actions and left the pond area.

On May 23, 2021 at 4:21 Officer Gaffney spoke with a female party who stated earlier in the day her son had been on the Sudbury Path and his bicycle was stolen.  It was described as a black and blue Trek Roscoe 6.  There are no suspects.


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Wellesley Police log: Driver says country club golf ball struck windshield; man falls 10 feet from tree; driver distracted by cellphone hits utility pole

May 19, 2021 by admin

Wellesley Police DepartmentWellesley MA police log for the week of May 10-15:

Arrests

On May 13, 2021 at 12:05 a.m. Officer Gerard was dispatched to a property on Walnut Street for a report of an unknown male party being in the building after business hours.  Officer Gerard spoke with the reporting party who stated he had observed the same individual in the building on May 7th.   He provided a description of the male party which matched the description of an individual that a property manager had encountered in a building across the street on May 2nd.   Officer Gerard conducted extra checks of the building and noticed at 1:35 a.m. that it appeared someone had entered the building.  He entered the building and encountered the male party, who stated he had entered the building to use the bathroom.  He placed under arrest for Trespassing.  He was transported to the station, booked in the usual manner, afforded all rights and transported to Dedham District Court.

On May 10, 2021 Officer DiCenso took a report for a stolen credit card from a vehicle that had been parked at Hunnewell Field.  The stolen credit card was used at stores in Framingham and Cambridge.   Officer DiCenso along with the assistance of Detectives investigated the incident and identified a potential suspect and vehicle used in the theft.  On May 14th the white Ford F-150 that was used in the theft was observed by Detectives in Wellesley.  Detectives followed the vehicle to the Hunnewell Field and observed the front seat passenger which they recognized from their investigation ] exit the truck and look into the windows of vehicles parked at Hunnewell Field.  The vehicle then traveled to the Maugus Club parking lot where the suspect entered a grey minivan.  He was taken into custody.  The male party driving the vehicle was also taken into custody.  Both male parties were transported to the station, booked in the usual manner, afforded all rights and later bailed on $300 each.  During the inventory of the vehicle per departmental policy 2 Best Buy Gift Cards that had been purchased with the credit card stolen on May 10th were located.

Incidents

On May 10, 2021 at 6:53 p.m. Officer DiCenso spoke to a female party who stated her daughter’s vehicle had been broken into while parked at the Hunnewell Field on May 8th between 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.   The female party learned her vehicle had been broken into and a credit card and debit card were stolen from her wallet that was left in her unlocked vehicle.   She was notified via text message and email about a suspicious purchase attempt in the amount of $1,599.80 which was declined.  Attempts to use the debit and credit card were made at Target in Framingham and CVS in Cambridge.  A successful transaction at the Best Buy in Cambridge for $1,268.73 was made Officer Diceno, with the assistance of Detectives, investigated the incident which resulted in the arrests described above.

On May 11, 2021 at 12:00 p.m. Officer Pino was dispatched to Sweetgreen on Linden Street for a report of an unruly customer.  The store manager stated that a male party who works for DoorDash had refused to wear a mask in the store and went in front of other customers who were waiting in line.  The male party stated the store manager was lying and that he had a mask on, but the mask fell down.  While Officer Pino was speaking with him the manager came back outside and issued the male party a verbal no trespass order.

On May 11, 2021 at 7:30 p.m. Officer D. Popovski spoke with a female party regarding a stolen package.  She stated that three packages had been delivered to her apartment on May 8th and when she went outside the packages were gone.  She contacted Amazon and they stated they would send out new items. 

On May 13, 2021 at 2:09 p.m. Officer Kane spoke with a male party regarding harassing text messages he had received earlier in the morning.  The text messages threatened to harm his family members if he didn’t pay $2,000.  This appears to be a scam where the individual will text messages to random numbers and attempt to get money from them by threatening them.  He was advised not to text the number back and to contact Officer Kane if additional text messages were received.

On May 13, 2021 at 6:03 p.m. Officer Harris spoke with a resident about a possible scam.  The reporting party had attempted to purchase a kitten through a website called gatesiberiankittens.com on May 12th and was instructed to send $800 via American Express Gift Cards via text message to the seller.  She was advised the kitten would be delivered to her on May 13th.  She was later contacted stating there was a mix-up with the shipping and she needed to send $970 through a cash app.  When the kitten didn’t arrive on May 13th she suspected it was a scam and reached out to the seller via another email address and was given the same instructions to send money to purchase the kitten.  Officer Harris is investigating.

On May 13, 2021 at 7:30 p.m. Officer Fritts spoke with a female party who stated on May 12th she received a phone call from an unknown male party who stated he was from Medicare and asked her for her Medicare Number which she provided.  She stated later an unknown female party called and stated she was calling from Medicare and asked her height and weight which she provided.  She then spoke with a family member and they stated they would contact Medicare to report his as a scam. 

On May 13, 2021 at 10:00 p.m. Officer Misho was dispatched to speak with an elderly female party who stated she was having an issue with a family member.  Upon arrival he learned that she was attempting to use her computer to contact a family member that is currently in the hospital using a social media application.  Officer Misho attempted to help her do this, but encountered the same error message the reporting party had.  He suggested that she try to address the computer issue in the morning.  She stated she would contact the Council on Aging and Springwell to see if they could assist her with the computer issue.

On May 14, 2021 at 7:50 a.m. Officer Gaffney was dispatched to a residence on Pine Street for a report of a man falling approximately 10 feet from a tree.  The male worker appeared to have a fractured wrist and elbow and lost consciousness after the fall.  Due to him losing consciousness he was transported via Med Flight to Mass General Hospital.  OSHA was contacted and will investigate the work site accident.   

On May 14 2021 at 8:50 a.m. Officer Shore spoke with a female party who stated she had received an email that requested that an employee’s direct deposit be changed.  She had initially changed the direct deposit and later released the email address that the request was sent from was not the employee’s email address.  She contacted their payroll company and believes they were able to reverse the direct deposit change prior to the check being deposited into the fraudulent account.  Officer Shore advised her to contact him if this wasn’t the case.

On May 14, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. Officer Scopa spoke to a family member of a resident who stated on May 4th and May 11th his mother had heard loud noises at night outside of the residence.  On May 12th the female party observed that a storm door was broken and believed someone had attempted to break into the house.  Officer Scopa observed that the glass was broken and spoke to neighbors to see if anyone had seen or heard anything suspicious on either date.  The female party stated that she has a security system and is upgrading it.  There are no suspects at this time.

On May 15, 2021 at 1:20 a.m. Officer Gaffney was on patrol on Weston Road when he observed a Ford pick-up truck that appeared to be disabled.  He spoke with the female operator and noticed there was a flat tire and there appeared to be moderate front end damage to the vehicle.  He asked the female operator what happened.  She stated she was distracted by her cell phone and struck a utility pole.   A query of her information revealed that she only possessed a learner’s permit.  Officer Knapp located a fire hydrant and utility pole that had been severely damaged by the vehicle.   The female party will be summonsed to Dedham District Court for Unlicensed Operation of Motor Vehicle and Marked Lanes Violation.

On May 15, 2021 at 10:24 a.m. Officer Scopa spoke with a male party regarding a fraudulent charge on his credit card for $849 for Budget Rental Car in Ohio.  He contacted them to report the fraudulent charge and they opened an investigation and advised him that a physical credit card is required to rent a vehicle.  He put a freeze on his credit card and did not notice any other suspicious charges.

On May 15, 2021 at 3:00 p.m. Officer Pino spoke with a female party who received a letter stating there was an overdue balance from Verizon.  She contacted Verizon and advised them she does not have a phone with the numbers provided on the letter.  They requested that she file a police report and they will investigate the fraud.

On May 15, 2021 at 2:50 p.m. Officer Scopa spoke with a female party who stated she was traveling on Wellesley Avenue when her windshield was struck by a golf ball.  Officer Scopa noticed that there was moderate splintering of glass on the front windshield.   The reporting party had gone to the Wellesley Country Club and asked to speak with the manager.  The manager indicated that they had an insurance policy, but was unsure if they would pay for the damaged windshield.  Officer Scopa advised the reporting party he would document the incident for her.

On May 15, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. Officer DeBernardi spoke with a male party regarding fraudulent credit card charges.  The male party stated there were 9 fraudulent charges totaling $1,236.87 on his credit card.  He had contacted his credit card company and was advised he will not be responsible for the fraudulent charges.   The credit card company requested that he file a police report.  There are no suspects.


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Filed Under: Crime, Police

Why catalytic converters are being stolen in Wellesley

May 16, 2021 by Bob Brown

While reports of 3 stolen catalytic converters from vehicles in Wellesley over the past 2 weeks doesn’t register as an obvious trend, it was enough to pique my curiosity over what might be up.

Catalytic converter thefts across the country have been on the rise for some time because the value of metals in these devices, like platinum ($1,200 an ounce), palladium ($2,800 an ounce) and rhodium ($27,900 an ounce), are sky high. Wellesley Police Lt. Marie Cleary says Wellesley hadn’t had such thefts in a while, but has heard about similar thefts in other communities of late.

Catalytic converters make the exhaust spewed by vehicles with internal combustion engines less toxic, and if yours is stolen, you’ll know it.

“The obvious clue that it’s been stolen is the sound the vehicle will make. Similar to losing a muffler, just an obvious loud exhaust,” says Jimmy Quinlan of Quinlan’s Automotive on Rte. 9 East in Wellesley.

Protecting your converter can be tricky if you don’t have a garage.

“Most of the time thieves are just cutting them out with battery-powered Sawzalls, in which case there’s nothing you can really do if they have the guts to even attempt that,” Quinlan says.

One option is to install motion sensor lighting where the vehicle is parked, Lt. Cleary said.


Been the victim of catalytic converter theft in Wellesley and willing to share your story? Please email us here: theswellesleyreport@gmail.com


As for why all 3 reported catalytic converter thefts in Wellesley involved Priuses, it could be because they’re an easy target, says Johnny Milch, who owns Milch Motors in Natick. Prius catalytic converters are “easily removed with minimal tools, minimal time, etc.,” he says. (Although as one alleged catalytic converter thief in Anaheim learned, this type of heist is not without perils.)

A new converter from a dealer could cost you anywhere from $1,000 to $1,500, plus labor, Milch says. “If thieves are cutting them out, you may be forced to replace more exhaust pipes than just the cat. itself, depends on the design.  A few weeks ago, a parts company I use couldn’t deliver parts to me right away because a few of their vans/trucks had the cats cut out of them,” he says.

Thieves can net $100 to $300 or more in scrap value for the catalytic converters. Milch says the reputable scrap metal outfits he works with are on the lookout for people trying to trade in catalytic converters “that appear to be in good condition and have obviously been removed from running vehicles.” But apparently others are willing to take the contraband.


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Filed Under: Crime

Wellesley Police log: 2 more catalytic converters stolen; car drives into ditch at RDF; shed fire at Morses Pond

May 11, 2021 by Bob Brown

Wellesley Police Department
Wellesley Police Department

Wellesley Police log for the week of May 3-8:

Arrests

On May 5, 2021 Detective D’Innocenzo applied for an arrest warrant for a suspect in relation to a breaking and entering case from 2018.  The warrant was issued by Dedham District Court for Breaking and Entering in the Nighttime, Wanton Destruction of Property and Larceny over $1,200 for breaking into a business on Central Street in November of 2018.  Detectives went to the suspect’s residence in Dorchester and placed him under arrest.  He was transported to Boston Police Department District B-2 where he was booked in the usual manner, afforded all rights and held on $2,500 bail.

 

Incidents

On May 3, 2021 at 2:04 p.m. Officer Hughes spoke with a female reporting party who stated the catalytic converter was stolen from her Toyota Prius.  The report is incomplete at this time and no further information is available.

On May 3, 2021 at 3:30 p.m. Officer Pino spoke with a female party regarding a fraudulent purchase made with her credit card.  She stated there was a purchase on March 20th for $3,378.04 at a furniture store in Liverpool, New York that she did not make.  She had already notified her credit card company and they requested that she file a police report.  There are no suspects at this time.

On May 4, 2021 at 3:30 p.m. Officer Collins spoke with a female reporting party who stated that $1,900 had been taken by a family member.  The reporting party called back at 4:05 p.m. and stated that the missing money had been located in the home.

On May 5, 2021 at 12:00 p.m. Officer Mankavech spoke with a female reporting party regarding identity theft.   She stated an unknown party opened a bank account at the bank she holds her accounts and transferred $35,000 from her account into the fraudulent account.  She was contacted by the fraud department at her bank and the funds were returned to her account.  The unknown individual had changed the contact information on her account as well.  The incident is under investigation.

On May 5, 2021 at 11:02 a.m. Officer Hughes spoke with a female reporting party regarding a catalytic converter being stolen from her Toyota Prius.  The report is incomplete at this time and no further information is available.

On May 4, 2021 at 2:13 p.m. Officer Poirier was advised that there were juveniles that had been damaging the windows, railings and cameras to a business on Washington Street.  The business owner observed the two juveniles and spoke with them and advised them they were not welcome on the property.  He asked for their names and they provided them to the reporting party.  Officer Poirier spoke with the parents of both juveniles and advised them that they were to stay away from the property.

On May 6, 2021 at 12:30 p.m. Officer Pino was dispatched to the Wellesley Recycle and Disposal Facility for a report of a motor vehicle that had driven into a ditch on the side of the road.  The driver of the vehicle was acting erratically after the crash.  The male party was transported to the hospital for a mental health evaluation.

On May 6, 2021 at 7:20 p.m. Officer Scopa spoke with a male reporting party who stated his son received a harassing email regarding an item that he had listed for sale on Craigslist.  He had initially agreed to sell the item to a buyer and then decided to sell to another buyer for more money.  The 1st buyer was agitated that he would not be getting the item and threatened to come to the residence and to take him to small claims court.  Officer Scopa called the buyer and explained that it was a juvenile that had listed the item on Craigslist and advised him not to contact him again.

On May 8, 2021 at 3:49 p.m. Officer Collins was dispatched to the beach at Morses Pond for a shed that was on fire.  The reporting party stated that he observed a group of about 5 high school aged male parties attempting to set the shed on fire.  The reporting party confronted the youths at which point they left the area on bicycles.  The fire was extinguished by the reporting party.  There did not appear to be any damage to the inside of the shed and some charring to the outside of the shed.

ON May 8, 2021 at 10:20 p.m. Officer Dixon was on patrol when he observed a Honda pickup truck and conducted a query of the vehicle’s registration.  The query showed the insurance was revoked in January 2020 and belonged on a BMW sedan.  He stopped the vehicle and spoke with the operator.  He will be summonsed to Dedham District Court for Operating an Uninsured Motor Vehicle, Operating an Unregistered Motor Vehicle and Attaching a Number Plate.


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