National Grid Phone Scam Reported

Tuesday, Dec. 23

At 4:13 p.m., police responded to Summit Avenue about a stolen package from his vehicle. The contents included a gray sweatshirt and $50 Newbury Comics gift card. There were no signs of forced entry.

At 6:41 p.m., police placed an intoxicated man who was sleeping on an Essex Street bench into protective custody.

At 11:27 p.m., police responded to Laurel Street about a report of suspicious people with a flashlight. Police found it was a resident who was locked out of house.

Wednesday, Dec. 24

At 9:52 a.m., a Holly Street resident reported that a package was stolen from his front porch. The package contained three books. The larceny was the latest in a series of stolen packages, which resulted in police arresting a woman for stealing packages.

At 10:10 a.m., a Loring Avenue resident reported someone stole a package from his front porch. A pair of Uggs valued at $300 was stolen.

At 11:41 a.m., police responded to a Washington Street business about a National Grid scam call. The scammer said the business owned $1,400 or the power would be shut off.

At 2:07 p.m., an Osborne Street resident reported a stolen package.

At 4:21 p.m., police responded to a four-car accident on Highland Avenue. There were no reported injuries.

At 4:22 p.m., a Salem resident reported a National Grid phone scam. He said he received a call from someone claiming he was from National Grid. The scammer demanded $997 or the power would be shut off. The resident told the caller he needed to check with his accountant, which caused the scammer to hang up.

At 6:34 p.m., a Highland Avenue resident reported someone possibly trying to steal a wreath from her door. Police arrived and didn’t find anyone.

At 7:39 p.m., a Loring Hills Avenue resident reported a bat in the house. Police helped remove the bat from the house.