5/4 through 5/6

5/4

4:24 AM - An officer responded to Beals St for a larceny report early Friday morning. The victim stated that he had gone to bed and woke up to notice his wallet was open and bank card was missing from his desk. The victim was advised to cancel the card while this case is investigated.

9:35 AM - An officer was dispatched to take a report of a past larceny from a motor vehicle on Euston St. Upon meeting with the victim, she stated that she had left her vehicle unlocked the night prior and returned this morning to find her center console open, rummaged through and missing a bag of quarters.

4:40 PM - An officer responded to Wallis Rd for a report of a larceny from a motor vehicle. The victim stated that he noticed his car hood was ajar this morning. He then saw that his battery was detached from the cables, disabling power to the vehicle and that both of the vehicle's mirrors were also stolen.

5/5

11:20 AM - An officer responded to Commonwealth Ave for a past shoplifting. Upon arrival he met with the store manager who said 2 suspects had entered the store, concealing several cosmetic items in a bag before exiting without paying. A follow-up was requested.

1:00 PM - An officer took a report of a past larceny on Crafts Rd on Saturday where the victim stated her medication was stolen from her residence. This incident is being investigated.

5/6

3:23 AM - Units were dispatched to Webster St for a call of larceny. Officers spoke with a witness who stated that he observed an individual behind a desk of the property before fleeing, dropping money as he ran onto the street. Surveillance has been requested as Brookline PD continues with their investigation.

10:03 AM - An officer took a report of a car break and attempted house break on Winslow Rd, Sunday morning. The victims stated that their house alarm had gone off in the early hours that morning where they found one of their doors ajar. They didn't think much of it, as they suspected that the wind had blown it ajar. Upon waking up around 9:00 AM, they looked out their window to see items strewn about the ground near their motor vehicles in their driveway. Both the attempted burglar and car break are under investigation.

10:03 AM - A resident on Winslow Rd approached the officer finishing up the case detailed above stating that her vehicle had been broken into. The victim stated that items within the vehicle had been strewn about, however nothing had been stolen.

10:03 AM - After finishing up the prior two reports, the same officer was approached by another neighbor from Babcock Rd. who stated that 2 cars her family owned had been broken into, as well. She had found items, from both vehicles, strewn about and also found on the ground. Only some change, glasses and a tool were stolen from both of the vehicles broken into. This string of car breaks are active and under investigation.

12:16 PM - An officer was dispatched to the lobby to meet with a victim who had a piece of jewelry stolen from him. While walking on the street, he had been coaxed towards a vehicle that was requesting assistance. After helping the occupants with what they needed, they handed him jewelry as a way of thanking the victim for his help. Upon doing so, one suspect offered him a necklace, stating that it was part of their culture to do so, placing the necklace on the victim. The suspect thanked him again, before all within the vehicle drove away. While the victim was walking home, he noticed that his own necklace was missing. After looking around his residence, the victim was unable to locate it and reported the incident to Police. The items gifted to the victim were taken as evidence. A follow-up has been requested.

Home Invasion, under investigation

On May 4, 2018 at approximately 0120 AM Brookline Police responded to 400 Heath Street, Pine Manor College, for an unknown request for police assistance. On scene officers learned that an armed home invasion had taken place. One student was taken to a local hospital and treated for minor injuries. Preliminary reports indicated there were four subjects, all wearing masks and firearms were shown. Officers began an investigation and additional investigators were called in. During the investigation subsequent information was obtained of the possibility of a student having possession of a firearm. Upon learning this information detectives were able to obtain a search warrant for a student’s room.  A search warrant was issued from the Brookline District Court and upon execution of this warrant, a firearm was located. A student was taken into custody, without incident and faces several firearm charges. The subject is scheduled to be arraigned in Brookline District Court on Monday May 7. At this time both cases are being actively investigated and it is unclear if they are related.

Thursday, May 3rd

5/3

9:45 AM - An officer at Brookline Police Headquarters took a bicycle theft report. The victim stated that his bike had been stolen from Greenough St. The missing bike has been entered into the system as police continue with their investigation.

Wednesday, May 2nd

5/2

2:20 PM – An officer was dispatched to Claflin Rd. for a reported dog biting incident. The victim stated that he had been charged at and bit on the leg by a loose dog while walking on Claflin Rd. Brookline PD was able to contact the owner/handler of the dog who provided police with vaccination documents that determined the dog was up-to-date on shots and is licensed with the Town. Medical personnel arrived to assist the victim with his injury and the responding officer was given permission to photograph the bite. The owner of the attacking dog was issued a Town of Brookline By-Law Citation for Biting or Injuring a Person. The Health Department will be notified of this incident.

Tuesday, May 1st

5/1

9:45 AM - An officer responded to Pond Avenue for a report of a bicycle theft. The victim told the officer that he had gone on a trip last week and upon returning, noticed that his bicycle was missing. He relayed information regarding how his bicycle was left prior to his departure, including that it had been locked to a bike rack at his residence. It appears that the suspect took off the rear tire to gain complete access to the bicycle's frame. This case is under investigation.

1:47 PM - An officer was dispatched to Francis Street to take a package theft report. Upon arrival, the officer spoke with the victim who stated that she had received delivery confirmation by tracking her order online. She stated that the package had been delivered to her front porch but when she checked outside, she was unable to locate it. Neighbor accounts' deny seeing the victim's package the day the theft occurred. Brookline PD is investigating this reported larceny.

4:45 PM - Police responded to Hawes Street for a past package theft. Officers met with the victim, who had received an email that his package had been delivered to his front steps earlier that day. He arrived back to his residence that afternoon where he found the package on his front steps, ripped open with the contents removed. A check of the immediate area area for security footage yielded negative results and the empty packaging was taken back to BPD as evidence. This case is under investigation.

Unfortunately, even secured bicycles are at risk of being stolen. Our neighbors across the River at Harvard University, in conjunction with The Massachusetts Bicycle Coalition (MassBike) have provided tip-guide that can help you avoid falling victim to bicycle theft. "How To Lock Your Bike" gives instructions to ensure theft won't hinder your cycling experience!


Sources:
How To Lock Your Bike. Harvard University Police Department.
How To Lock Your Bike. "A Handy Guide to Keep this From Happening to You". Massachusetts Bicycle Coalition.

Monday, April 30th

4/30

On 11:00 AM, an officer was dispatched to Harvard St for a report of a package theft. The victim stated that he had been out of town last week and received confirmation that his package was delivered. Upon returning home, he noticed that his package had been opened and the contents, a pair of sneakers, removed from the box. This incident is being investigated.

At approximately 5:30 PM, an officer responded to Harvard St. for another reported package theft. The victim reported being on vacation, returning this past Sunday. Upon returning home, she found her package that had been delivered to the front vestibule of the building, opened with the contents stolen. There is no known security of the property at this time. The shipping box had been discarded by the victim prior to the officer's arrival.

Around 10:30 PM, a package theft was reported on Marion St. The responding officer spoke with the victim who stated that a package was delivered to her residence Upon returning home, she noticed a package addressed to her, ripped open, with the contents she ordered from the box missing. Within the ripped-box, there was 1 item that the victim did not order, although the package had been addressed to her.

While responding to the package theft noted above, the officer had observed another package, ripped opened, with the contents missing. The package was addressed to another Marion St. resident. The officer met with the victim of the ripped-open package they found. The victim stated that she had received confirmation that her package had been delivered. The officer returned the item belonging to the victim that had been located within the first Marion St. victim’s opened package. Both of these Marion St. packages were located behind a secured door within the building. Brookline PD is continuing their investigation into the many package thefts that occurred overnight.

4/27 through 4/29

4/27

On Friday afternoon, an officer responded to Colbourne Cr. for a report of a larceny from a motor vehicle. The victim stated that they had been away from their vehicle for approximately 30 minutes before returning to see their items taken. Police are investigating this case.

Friday night, officers were dispatched to St Paul St. for a larceny report. The victim stated that a package that had been delivered that afternoon had been opened, with its contents removed. This incident is being investigated.

4/28

An officer was dispatched to Kent St. to take a report of a Breaking & Entering of a Motor Vehicle on Saturday morning. The victim reviewed home security footage and noticed a subject opening the driver's side door of a car parked in their driveway on the morning of 4/27. Nothing was reported missing from the vehicle.

An officer responded to Washington St. for a report of a past larceny. The victim stated that he had left his phone on the front steps of a building and upon returning, it was gone. A follow-up has been requested. This incident is under investigation.

An officer was dispatched to Coolidge St. to take a report of a past dog bite that had occurred Saturday afternoon. The victim stated that she had been with her dog in Amory Park and while exiting, a dog came up behind her and bit her calf. A medical professional within the dog park examined the bite and determined that the victim was fine. The officer dispatched also examined the bite and the victim refused medical attention. Animal Control was advised of this incident.

Sunday night, an officer was dispatched to Thorndike St for a reported package theft. The victim stated that she had received delivery confirmation about an expected package. Upon retrieving her package, she located it alongside her residence with the contents removed. This incident is under investigation.

4/29

An officer was dispatched to a business on Harvard St for a report of a past shoplifting. The store manager stated that on 4/28, a man placed multiple items into a bag and walked out of the store.

On Sunday afternoon, an officer took a shoplifting report on Harvard St. A male subject had concealed items, placed them into a bag and left before paying for the merchandise. Brookline PD is investigating these two cases of shoplifting. They are both under investigation.

An officer was dispatched to Mason Tr Sunday evening to investigate a reported identity theft. The victim stated that last week, a party outside of Massachusetts made changes to his family cellphone plan. Through doing so, the suspect seemed to have gain access to bank account information, compromising the victim's finances. The victim was provided with the Credit Bureau Fraud Department form and advised by the responding officer. Brookline Police are continuing their investigation of this case.

4/26/18

4/26

On Thursday morning, an officer met with the victim of an imposter scam. The victim received an email he believed to be of a friend's email address, where he was asked to do a favor. The favor included sending who the victim believed to be his alleged friend, funds in the form of gift cards. The victim helped whom he believed to be a friend, sending him gift cards on that one occasion. It wasn't until receiving further requests from his "friend" that the victim realized they had fallen for a scam. This case is being investigated by Brookline PD.

4/25/2018

11:35 AM  Police responded to 46 Tappan Street, Brookline High School Unified Arts Building for a fire alarm. It was determined that there was an active fire in a second floor classroom.  With the assistance of police and firefighters the building was evacuated. The fire was contained to classroom #21 (metal shop) and was quickly extinguished. The source of the fire was that of an acetylene gas tank. The Unified Arts Building sustained significant damage from the fire. The second floor classrooms and hallway sustained heavy fire, smoke, and water damage. The third floor classrooms and hallways sustained smoke damage.  The Deputy Fire Chief estimated approximately $150,000.00 in damage to the building. There were no injuries reported.

 2:45 PM Police were dispatched to Beacon Street for a report of a shoplifter. Dispatch broadcast a description of the suspect. After speaking with the store’s manager it was determined that the suspect concealed 4 bottles of Arm and Hammer brand laundry detergent in his backpack and left without paying. A short time later an Officer observed a male matching the description of the shoplifter near Brookline Village. After a brief investigation Officers discovered the bottles of laundry detergent in his backpack. Officers were able to review camera footage at the store and confirmed the male was in fact the suspect. He was placed under arrest.

 3:30 PM  A crossing guard came to the front desk to hand in a found cell phone. He stated that the phone was handed to him from a citizen who found the phone at Clark Playground. The phone is described as a white and gray Nokia cell phone with a blue and black case. The phone was placed in evidence for safe keeping.

 9:28 PM Police were dispatched to Commonwealth Avenue for a past shoplifting. The employee stated a male wearing a green t-shirt, black jacket and jeans, with a beard and mustache, concealed 17 Gillette Razors (valued at over $300) in his jacket and left the store without paying. His direction of flight was unknown. Police canvassed the area but were unable to locate the suspect.

Tuesday, April 24th

4/24

During the early hours of Tuesday morning, officers observed a vehicle driving down the wrong direction on Heath St. When attempting to conduct a traffic stop, the operator of the vehicle immediately accelerated, leading officers to turn on their emergency overhead lights and pursue the suspect towards Warren St. Officers continued to follow this vehicle as it failed to stop at a stop sign and traveled through a solid red light at Heath/Lee St, turning left towards Boylston St. The operator of the vehicle continued to run red lights as they fled from Brookline PD. The reckless driver then negligently ran a red light at the intersection of Chestnut Hill Ave/Beacon St. where several cars with the right of way were attempting to travel towards Commonwealth Ave.

Due to dangerous and reckless driving conditions on behalf of the suspect, the pursuit was stopped to ensure the safety of those driving in the area at this time. Officers were able to find the motor vehicle in question in the area of Strathmore Rd, where the suspect jumped out of his vehicle, now fleeing on-foot. Brookline PD began running in the direction of the suspect, continuously identifying themselves as Police Officers and commanding him to stop.

At this time, additional officers arrived on scene to assist, allowing an officer within the original pursuit to find the suspect's location.

Officers observed many items outside of the vehicle the suspect was driving. A Massachusetts Driver's License was found among these items and was traced back to a party who was not at all involved in the motor vehicle pursuit. All items found belonged to the aforementioned unrelated party, including the motor vehicle the suspect was driving.

The suspect, a 37 year-old Newton resident, was charged with multiple moving violations in addition to Receiving Stolen Property - Motor Vehicle, Failure to Stop for Police Officer and Operating to Endanger. All property stolen belonging to the owner of the vehicle was returned.

4/24/18 (continued)

4/24

A victim of fraud came into the station to report the misuse of his credit card. He stated that he received an email regarding an online purchase the victim had not made. Information regarding the fraudulent purchase was provided to police. This investigation is ongoing. 

An officer was dispatched Tuesday night to Marshall St for a past larceny report. The victim stated that on April 19th he had come home around 7PM to find his package opened in the front foyer of his building. Out of the 4 items ordered, only 1 item remained within the torn package. A follow-up has been requested as police continue investigating.

April 12th through April 22nd

April 12^th, 2018

On April 12, an officer was dispatched to Walnut St. for a report of a larceny. The victim reported that she had left a belonging in the unlocked vestibule of her residence and when she went to retrieve it, it was gone. The incident is under investigation.

April 13^th, 2018

Early in the morning on April 13, an officer observed a vehicle traveling on Harvard St. with no inspection sticker. The officer ran a query of the vehicle and found that the registered owner had an active warrant in his name. The officer conducted a traffic stop, confirmed the identity of the driver, and placed him under arrest.

On April 13, an officer responded to Norfolk Road for a past breaking and entering of a motor vehicle. The reporting party stated that she had parked her vehicle in her driveway unlocked overnight, and when she returned, the car had been rifled through and money was taken.

An officer responded to Alwyngton Road for a report of a past breaking and entering of a motor vehicle. The reporting party stated that she had parked her vehicle in her driveway unlocked overnight, and when she returned, her vehicle was rifled through. Nothing was reported missing.

An officer responded to Boylston St. to take a larceny report. The victim stated that a package had been delivered to the vestibule of his residence the night before but when he went to retrieve it in the morning, the package had been ripped open and the contents removed. The incident is being investigated.

An officer was dispatched to Crafts Rd. for a report of a breaking and entering of a motor vehicle. The reporting party stated that he had parked his vehicle unlocked in his driveway overnight and found that it was rummaged through the next morning.

April 15, 2018

On April 15, an officer was dispatched to Boylston St. for a larceny report. The reporting party stated that over the weekend 4 copper down spouts had been stolen. The incident is being investigated.

April 16, 2018

On April 16, an officer was dispatched to Norfolk Rd. for a report of a past breaking and entering. The reporting party stated that when he arrived this morning, numerous electrical cables had been stolen. The incident is under investigation.

On April 16, a man came into the police station to report a past breaking and entering and larceny from a motor vehicle. The victim stated that he had parked his vehicle on Washington St. for a couple of hours on 4/13 and later discovered that multiple items were missing. The incident is being investigated.

April 17, 2018

In the evening of April 17, officers were dispatched to the area of Boylston St. for a report of a man stealing something from a building with the caller following him on foot. Officers spoke to the reporting parties who stated that while cleaning the building they had located a man in one of the bathrooms who quickly exited. Soon after, there was a commotion on the main level where the suspect was observed trying to steal a cash register. Reporting parties approached the suspect who then ripped the cash register from the counter and fled.  Officers were given a description of the suspect and located him near the Chestnut Hill MBTA. The man was arrested for Larceny in a Building, Malicious Damage, and Receiving Stolen Property.

April 18, 2018

In the afternoon of April 18, officers were dispatched to Harvard St. for a report of shoplifting that had just occurred. The reporting party stated that she had observed a female party enter the store and place multiple items into her purse. When the reporting party tried to confront the suspect, the suspect fled the store and yelled for a male party waiting for her to run. The incident is being investigated.

April 19, 2018

On April 19, an officer was dispatched to Winchester St. for a possible fraud report. The reporting party stated that she had received a phone call from a male party claiming to be from the IRS. The male party told her that she owed money and that there was a warrant in her name. The male party stated that she would need to pay him in order to fix the issue. BPD was able to confirm that this was a scam.

An officer was dispatched to Boylston St. for a report of a larceny. The reporting party stated that multiple sections of copper rain downspouts had been removed from the building. The incident is being investigated.

An officer was dispatched to a business on Harvard St. for a report of suspicious activity. The reporting party stated that a man had come in and placed and order, which he paid for with a $50 bill. After receiving change and making small talk, the male party stated that he had received the incorrect amount of change and the employee remedied this. After the male party left, the employee believed the incident to be a scam and went to warn other businesses in the area. Two other businesses in the area, one on Boylston St. and the other on Beacon St., reported similar incidents.

In the evening of April 19, an officer was dispatched to a business on Harvard St. for a report of past shoplifting. The reporting party stated that the day before a male party had entered the store and appeared to act as a “lookout.” The reporting party stated that shortly after, another male entered the store and began to take items and place them into a reusable shopping bag. The second man then left the store with the stolen merchandise and the first man followed. The incident is under investigation.

April 21, 2018

On April 21, a man came into the police station to report stolen packages. The reporting party stated that two packages had been confirmed as delivered to his residence on Independence Dr. on April 14, yet the man never received them. The incident is under investigation.

April 22, 2018

On April 22, an officer was dispatched to West Roxbury Parkway for a larceny report. On arrival, the reporting party stated that two golf clubs had been stolen while a customer was inside the Pro Shop. The incident is being investigated.

An officer was dispatched to Babcock St. for a past bicycle theft. The reporting party stated that he had left his bicycle locked to a rack at Brookline High School on Thursday and when he returned on Sunday, the bike was gone. The incident is being investigated.

An officer was dispatched to Linden St. for a larceny report. The reporting party stated that she had been out of town from 4/18 to 4/22 and when she arrived home, the package she had been expecting had been ripped open and the contents removed. The incident is under investigation.

Team work leads to Nice arrest

Yesterday afternoon, a former Brookline Police officer now a Mass State Police officer was running at the Brookline reservoir. He made observations of two people acting suspicious. He called a Brookline officer who took up watch of the two individuals. One of the suspects picked up a rock and smashed the front passenger side window of a Gray Hyundai Santa Fe parked on Dudley Way. The suspect took two black bags from inside the vehicle through the broken window. Both suspects were stopped and based upon the investigation both were charged with- Breaking and Entering in the Day Time With Intent to Commit a Felony (2 counts each) A second vehicle was found with evidence of being broken into as well. One suspect is a person of interest in a recent stabbing in Portland Maine on April 5th. Follow up being conducted. Great work by all involved and special thanks to our former colleague, now trooper.

4/4 - 4/5/18

Wednesday, April 4th

A victim of fraud came into the Station Wednesday stating that her credit card was used without her permission in the Midwest. Her bank notified her of the charge that morning and was advised by Police to cancel her credit card and report this incident to the appropriate credit agencies. Although outside of jurisdiction, this is an active case.

On Wednesday, an officer was dispatched to Oakland Rd for a report of identity theft. The victim stated that someone had opened a bank and credit card account under her name. Police are investigating.

Thursday, April 5th

On Thursday morning, a woman came into the Station to report fraudulent charges made from her bank accounts. While reviewing bank statements, she noticed 2 charges made, neither being authorized or known to her. A report was filed and the victim's banks will investigate the fraudulent activity. Brookline PD are also investigating.

Resources:

The Federal Trade Commission offers many helpful tips and tricks to protect yourself from fraud and identity theft. Additionally, they provide resources, including the warning signs and necessary steps one needs to take when reporting/recovering from identity theft.

Their Consumer Information site details credit card fraud, how it happens and the ways to protect oneself from becoming a victim.

*For additional information on these topics, please follow the links above.



Sources:
Federal Trade Commission (consumer information)
Federal Trade Commission (identity theft)

Marathon Monday 2018 Info

Marathon Monday 2018 Information (April 16th)

Please be advised of the following information regarding the 2018 Boston Marathon:

Beacon Street will be closed around 8:30 AM until 6:30PM. Traffic will not be allowed to cross, as the entire length of Beacon Street will be barricaded. 

Pedestrians will have three dedicated crossing areas: Beacon Street at Tappan, Beacon Street at Webster and Beacon Street at Hawes. 

These locations will be staffed by race officials and will only be functioning when safe to do so. Please expect the aforementioned crossing areas to be closed during heavy runner traffic (12:30PM -3:30PM). 

Bikes will not be allowed near the route and will start being removed on Friday, continuing up until race time on Monday.

Some areas on Beacon Street will initiate a parking ban beginning at 2PM on Sunday (4/15).

Please pay attention to signs placed on the streets mentioned above detailing parking bans on and around the Marathon route.

*More detailed information will follow as we get closer to Patriots' Day. Please plan accordingly.

3/31 through 4/2/2018

3/31

On March 31st, an officer was dispatched to Park St for a report of a past larceny. The victim stated that he received an email confirming the delivery of 2 packages, while he was away from his residence on Friday (3/30). A neighbor told the victim that there were boxes within the residential parking lot strewn about, containing the victim's name. Arriving back home a short while after getting word from his neighbor, the victim reported the incident to the police. A follow-up has been requested as police are investigating.

An officer was dispatched to the front desk for a fraud report on Saturday afternoon. The victim told the officer that he noticed an error within his bank account, as a check had been deposited that was not on his behalf. After contacting his bank, he received a call from someone claiming to be a financial adviser, stating that he was eligible for a possible cash advance if he gave them some personal information. At that point, the victim immediately ended the call and tried contacting the financial institution in question, hoping to finding the man who claimed he was eligible for a cash advance. He was informed that no one by that name worked for that institution. This is an on-going investigation.

4/1

An officer was dispatched to Colbourne Crescent on Sunday afternoon for a larceny report. The victim told the officer that numerous items of hers had been taken from her residence. A follow-up has been requested.

A past larceny report was taken on Aspinwall Ave on Sunday afternoon. The victim reported leaving a bag on the front porch of his residence that morning. Upon returning shortly afterward, the bag was gone. Police are investigating.

4/2

Officers responded to Marion St on Monday morning to take a report for a past larceny. The victim stated that she had left a shopping cart within the hallway of her residence for a short span of time on Sunday morning. There was no sign of the victim's shopping cart among the others within the same hallway. Neighbors didn't notice any suspicious activity during the time frame, either. This is an active case.

Officers were dispatched to Washington St for a larceny report Monday afternoon. Upon arrival, the victim stated that she had left a bag of belongings on a bench while turning her back for a moment to take a phone call. After finishing up the call, she realized her belongings were gone. A quick investigation led Brookline PD to the suspect, who was placed under arrest for Larceny from a Person.

3/28 & 3/29

March 28, 2018

On Wednesday evening, an officer was dispatched to Kent St for a report of a package theft. The victim stated that she was expecting three packages to be delivered that day, but they never arrived at her residence. Package tracking ID numbers provided confirmation that the delivery had been made earlier that afternoon. A follow-up has been requested.

An officer was dispatched to Kent St a second time Wednesday evening for another report of a package theft. The victim told police that he was expecting a package to be delivered to his residence that day, but it had not arrived. The package's tracking details were unavailable at the time. However, a shipment confirmation was received and indicated it's delivery to the victim's Kent St address. Police are investigating.

March 29, 2018

At 1:40 AM, this morning an officer on a traffic assignment on rt. 9 , attempted to slow a vehicle down in the work zone. The vehicle instead sped up and failed to stop for the officer. The officer and another officer who was in the area went looking for the car. It was last seen on Rt 9 in Newton. When the officer was returning back to his assignment he found the vehicle had crashed into a pole in the area of 489 Boylston street on the access road. EMS and State Police arrived and took control of the scene. The driver faces several motor vehicle charges from Brookline .The driver and the passenger both went to hospitals with minor injuries.

Tuesday, March 27th

3/27

An officer was dispatched to St. Paul St on Tuesday evening for a reported larceny. Upon arrival, the victim stated that she had arrived home that day to find a package delivered to her residence, opened, with its contents removed. A follow-up has been requested as Brookline PD investigates this case.

Monday, March 26

3/26

Brookline PD's Traffic Unit was dispatched around 8AM to Pond St responding to a vehicle that had rolled over. It appeared that the vehicle had jumped the curb and went into a wooded area on the side of the road, flipping it onto its right side. There was damage to both the front end and right side of the vehicle. The driver and passenger within the flipped van were not injured.

On Monday evening, an officer was dispatched to Toxeth St for a report of package thefts. Upon arrival, the officer spoke with the victims, who stated that all 4 of their packages had been stolen from their building's vestibule, over a 4-day span.

Multi-Vitamin Arrestee charged with Multiple Offenses

3/25

On Sunday, officers were dispatched to the area of Washington St and River Rd for a report of a plastic shopping bag containing live ammunition inside of it. Once arriving on scene, officers located a partially torn plastic shopping bag, with what appeared to be loose 22. caliber unspent ammunition rounds, located near the bag on the ground. The loose ammunition rounds found on the ground and the ammunition within the plastic bag were taken back to Brookline Police Headquarters. In total, thirty two .22 caliber unspent ammunition rounds were recovered.


Around 1:45PM, officers were dispatched to Commonwealth Ave for a reported shoplifting in process. The person in question was observed putting some items inside of his jacket. Officers placed the man under arrest for Shoplifting, in addition to Giving a False Name to a Police Officer Following Arrest. The arrestee made bail and made his way back to the store again around 5:30PM, where Brookline units responded again. The manager was positive it was the same suspect in that shoplifting incident. A warrant for the subject's arrest has been requested for this subsequent shoplifting offense.

3/21 and 3/22

3/21

An officer was dispatched to Harvard St on Wednesday for a reported shoplifting. Upon arrival, the officer spoke with the reporting party who witnessed a man concealing three shirts then leaving the store without paying. A 33 year old Boston resident was arrested and charged with shoplifting.

Wednesday night, an officer assigned to the front desk was met by a victim who stated her license plates had been stolen from her vehicle on Tappan St. Police are investigating.


A robbery occurred Wednesday night on Heath St, involving 3 suspects. Police are continuing with their investigation.


3/22

Around 9 AM on Thursday, an officer was dispatched to Beacon St for a report of a larceny that had occurred at a commercial property. The victim stated that a male came into the business, complaining of a migraine and leaning over the counter within the lobby. A few moments later, the victim noticed some of her personal belongings missing and the male subject was no longer in the store. The case is active at this time.

At approximately 6:30 PM, an officer was dispatched to Linden Pl for an IRS scam report. The victim stated that she had returned a missed call from an individual claiming to be from the IRS, informing her that she owed back taxes and that there were four warrants issued for her arrest. The individual claiming to be affiliated with the IRS set up a payment plan, using gift cards as the method of paying the balance. A request has been made for a follow-up as police are investigating this case.


The following tips provided by the IRS website can help you avoid becoming a victim of IRS scams.

Please note, the IRS will not

• Call, requesting or demanding immediate payments and will not call if you do owe taxes, without first mailing a bill to your residence
• Demand payment and deny you to question or appeal the amount due
• Require payment of your taxes by a certain method, like gift cards
• Ask for bank account information, like debit or credit card numbers, over the phone
• Make threats that other authorities/agencies will become involved (police, etc.), resulting in arrest, if your payment is not made

If you receive a call and do not or have no reason to believe that you owe taxes, do not give out any personal information and immediately hang up. Contact TIGTA to report the scam via their "IRS Impersonation Scam Reporting" page.

Additionally, report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission using the "FTC Complaint Assistant" on their website.

For more information about IRS Scams, visit the link below:

Tax Scams/Consumer Alerts

Source: www.irs.gov

3/19 and 3/20/18

3/19

An officer was dispatched at approximately 9:00 AM to take a fraud report on Dale St, regarding an internet scam involving an employment opportunity found online. The victim was hired by the company and asked to purchase a computer for the position, ensuring that he'd be fully reimbursed. The company asked for payment using gift cards. The proper reimbursement of the victim's funds was unsuccessful. Police are investigating.

An officer responded to Clinton Rd on Monday evening for a past Breaking and Entering, Larceny from a Motor Vehicle. The victim stated that two of his vehicles were broken into during the early morning hours of March 19th. Some loose change was stolen from both of the vehicles. 

Police are continuing to investigate the multiple reported car breaks that have occurred over the past few days. As a reminder, it's advised to keep any valuables within your car out of plain sight, in addition to securing both windows and doors within your vehicle(s). 


3/20

An officer was dispatched to Stearns Rd for a report of annoying text messages. Upon arrival, the victim stated that he has received numerous text messages from a person on Facebook, who told him he had won a sum of money through a Facebook promotion. The person claiming he had won the promotional contest acquired some of the victim's personal information over this short span of time. Due to the nature of the personal information the suspect acquired, it was advised that the Credit Bureau Fraud Department be contacted regarding the events that had transpired.

On Tuesday, there were two separate roll-over car accidents that took place in Brookline. One occurred on Beacon St/Winthrop Rd. around 9 AM, while the other took place around 1 o'clock in the afternoon on Clyde St. All occupants within the two roll-overs that occurred were not injured.

3/17 and 3/18

3/17

On Saturday, an officer responded to the front desk of the station for a package theft report. The victim stated that she was expecting a package to be sent to her home but had not received it yet. After some time, she tracked it and saw confirmation that it had already been delivered to her residence. This is an active case.

3/18

At approximately 9:00 AM, an officer responded to Leicester St for a Breaking and Entering and Larceny of a Motor Vehicle. The victim stated that he had parked in his driveway the night prior and noticed items missing from his vehicle that Sunday morning. A follow-up has been requested as police are continuing to investigate.

An officer responded to Clinton Rd for a Breaking and Entering of a Motor Vehicle on Sunday morning. Upon arrival, the officer spoke with the victims who stated that they had both parked their cars in the driveway the night prior. When returning to each of their vehicles that morning, they saw that their cars had been rummaged through, one of the vehicles missing some loose change. A follow-up will be conducted.

Around 3:30 PM, an officer responded to Buckminister Rd for a past Breaking and Entering and Larceny from 3 motor vehicles. The victim stated that the owners of the vehicles had parked them in their driveway on evening of 3/17. When going to the first vehicle that morning, he observed the glove box open and several items strewn around the car. Upon checking the other 2 vehicles, the victim observed strewn items within them, as well. Police are continuing to investigate.

On Sunday night, an officer responded to a call for a past Breaking and Entering of a Motor Vehicle on Buckminster Rd. Upon arrival, an officer spoke with the victim who stated that he had parked his car in the driveway on Saturday afternoon. When he returned to the vehicle the next morning, he discovered that the middle console was open and its belongings had been scattered around the front seat area. 

*Brookline Police are continuing to investigate this string of Breaking & Entering/Breaking & Entering & Larceny of Motor Vehicle incidents that occurred over the weekend. It is advised that you place any valuables within your vehicle out of sight, in addition to making sure windows are rolled-up and that your vehicle is locked.

Thursday, March 15th

3/15

Officers were dispatched to Kendall St on Thursday to respond to two reported burglaries. Two victims from two separate units reported a laptop, cell phone, paper work and various pieces of jewelry stolen from their residences'. Brookline PD is continuing to investigate these cases.

At the station, an officer was met by a victim who came in to report that her cell phone had been taken from her desk while attending a class. The case is active at this time.

Wednesday, March 14th

3/14

At approximately 9:00 PM, an officer was dispatched to the front desk of the Station to take a larceny report. The victim stated that a passport and a check were both taken from his residence. A follow-up has been requested.

On Wednesday night, an officer was dispatched to Beacon St for a reported package theft. Upon arrival, the officer met with the victim. The victim stated that she received confirmation that 2 packages were delivered to her residence that morning. When going to retrieve the packages in the foyer of the building, she noticed them missing and called Brookline Police. This case is under investigation.

3/12 and 3/13

3/12

At approximately 9:00 PM on Monday, officers responded to Harvard St for a reported shoplifting. Upon arrival, officers spoke with the reporting party, an employee, who stated she noticed a man attempting to conceal various items from the store inside of his jacket. The reporting party then attempted to stop the suspect but he continued to exit the store. A follow-up has been requested for this active case.

3/13

An officer responded to Salisbury Rd at approximately 2:00 PM on Tuesday for an uprooted tree that fell across the roadway and came to rest against a home. On scene, officers observed a large tree resting on the rooftop of the home. However, they were unable to make a complete assessment of the potential damage due to the snow covered roof. The Forestry Division was notified and removed the fallen tree. The resident was advised of the event.


*Over the course of Tuesday's Blizzard, 53 motor vehicle tows were initiated due to the snow ban. Additionally, 4 trees fell onto residential property, 2 of them blocking roadways. 14 calls regarding down or low hanging wires were made, 9 of them occurring on residential properties.

3/9 through 3/11

3/9

On Friday, a victim of a fraud call came to Police Headquarters to report that she fell prey to an IRS phone scam. The victim answered her cell phone on Thursday afternoon and was told that she owed almost $6,000 dollars to the IRS. After multiple conversations between the victim and suspects claiming to be IRS agents, the victim became convinced that she owed the money and forwarded the funds requested. She bought "GooglePlay" cards as a means of paying her balance and was instructed by a man claiming to be an IRS Investigating Officer to reveal the codes associated with the cards she had purchased. Police are investigating.

*Phone calls are an easy way for scammers to convince people that they owe important funds. If you find yourself receiving calls from suspicious phone numbers, it's better to hang up versus engaging in conversation. Please contact Brookline Police to verify it's validity prior to engaging with the calling party to prevent becoming a victim of fraud.


3/11

On Sunday evening, an officer was dispatched to Sherman Rd for a past breaking and entering into a residence and for a stolen motor vehicle report. Upon arrival, the officer was met with three victims, who had been out of town since Wednesday (3/7). When returning back to their residence Sunday afternoon, they realized that it had been ransacked and that several items were missing from the apartment. Upon hearing the statements from all three victims, they observed a cut screen window near the front door of their residence that belonged to one of the windows within their kitchen. Between the victims, multiple electronics, video games, backpacks, sneakers and cash had been stolen from their residence while they were away. Additionally, a set of car keys was missing, belonging to one of their friends. Once noticing the missing car keys, they exited their apartment to go to their friend's car that had been parked within the vicinity of their apartment. After several attempts, they were unable to locate the vehicle. This investigation is ongoing.

Thursday, March 8th

3/8

On Thursday morning, an uprooted town tree fell onto a fence and home around 4:00 AM on Middlesex Rd. due to blizzard conditions.

Brookline PD responded to Wallis Rd for a report of a tree that had fallen and struck a vehicle parked in a driveway. The officer observed damage to the top, sides and back of the vehicle. The Forestry Division was notified.

An officer responded to South St for a report of a town tree that had fallen and struck a residence. Once the branch fell and struck the roof, it rolled, coming to a rest against the home. The Forestry Division has been notified.

Wednesday, March 7th

3/7

On Wednesday morning, an officer responded to an accident that occurred during the active snow storm. The operator had last control of the vehicle while turning onto Chestnut Hill Ave and hit a signal light, knocking it over. There were no injuries and the operator was able to drive their vehicle.

At approximately 11:45 PM Wednesday night, an officer was dispatched for a report of a town tree that had fallen into a house on Crafts Rd due to the Nor’easter.

3/6/2018

On March 6, officers responded to a business on Boylston St. for a report of a shoplifting in progress. On scene, officers observed a female party talking with an employee. The employee stated that they had seen the woman take multiple items and place them into her closed purse. All of the items were recovered and the woman will be summonsed to court for shoplifting.

An officer was dispatched to Vernon St. for a report of malicious damage. The reporting party stated that sometime during the afternoon someone had taken the No Parking sign from the side of her garage. The incident is being investigated.

In the evening of March 6, officers responded to Strathmore Rd for a street robbery that had occurred on Beacon St earlier that evening. The reporting party stated that he had been walking on Beacon St at approx. 2150hrs when he made eye contact with an unknown male party who approached him and asked to bum a cigarette. When the victim went to get a cigarette from his pocket, the suspect suddenly grabbed his phone and fled. The victim attempted to chase the suspect but lost sight of him. The incident is under investigation.

3/3 through 3/5

3/3

At approximately 9:30 AM, an officer was dispatched to Dummer St for a report of a past Breaking and Entering and Larceny. The victim stated that upon waking up this morning, she had noticed her cell phone and purse were missing from where she had left them the night prior. Shortly afterward, she realized that the keys to her apartment had been left in the front door by accident after returning from an event Thursday night. Police are investigating.

3/4

An officer was dispatched to Beacon St Sunday afternoon for a report of a past package theft. The victim stated she had received a delivery notification the day before confirming her package delivery to the lobby within her residence. When going to retrieve the package, she did not see one in the lobby that was consistent in size of what she had ordered. After checking once more, she determined it was stolen and contacted Brookline Police.

3/5

On Monday afternoon, officers were dispatched to Kent St for a possible attempted break and entering of a motor vehicle. The victim stated that she had parked in the driveway of her home and was sitting in the car for approximately five minutes. While in the car, a man - wearing a black jacket, sunglasses and holding an orange can, attempted to open the driver side door. When the suspect noticed the victim siting in the driver’s seat, he said something unintelligible, turned and walked away from the driveway. The victim is unaware of any security surveillance in the area. Police are continuing to investigate.

Police were dispatched to Harvard Ave for a past residential breaking and entering at approximately 3:00 PM on Monday. Upon arrival, the officers met with the victims who stated that upon returning from work, they were unable to get into their apartment because their key would not work. After unsuccessfully trying a second apartment key, they determined that the door seemed to be jammed and contacted a locksmith. The victim stated that many items and some cash had been taken from their apartment between the time frame they left for work and returned back to their residence. There appears to be no signs of forced entry at this time. An investigation is being conducted by Brookline PD.