More Vehicle Break-Ins Reported: Burlington Police Log October 11-17

BURLINGTON, MA -- Burlington Police responded to reports of multiple vehicle break-ins on Myrna Street at 2:35 am on Monday. A caller said two men, possibly wearing hooded sweatshirts and baseball caps attempted to break in to several cars parked in front of her house. They were seen leaving in a dark-colored sedan, according to the Burlington Police log.

Police who responded to the call reported that multiple vehicles were broken into, no valuables appear to have been stolen at this time. Other overnight break-ins on Paula Street, Sarah Street and Jonathan Road were also reported to police on Monday.

Earlier this week, Burlington Patch reported that Burlington was the latest area town to be hit with widespread vehicle break-ins, leading to speculation that a national crime syndicate known as the Felony Road Gang was once again operating in the region.

Similar vehicle break-ins have been reported in Tewksbury, Wilmington and North Reading, among other communities. In Wilmington, police have stepped up patrols in targeted areas. Last month Tewksbury Police arrested a teen suspected in several car break-ins over the summer. In all of those towns, police are warning residents to lock their cars and remove valuables, even when their car is parked in the driveway.

The recent break-ins in greater Boston has led police to speculate that the Felony Lane Gang is once again working in the state. Police say the national syndicate has between 800 and 1,000 members, most of whom were recruited online. They look for women's purses left in cars, often leaving behind electronics and other valuables, and try to cash stolen checks using disguises and drive-thru teller windows to make them appear more like their victims.

The following are other items recorded by Burlington Police Department. It is a sample of the types of calls the Burlington Police responded to between October 11 and 17. An arrest does not indicate a conviction. And all suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Subscribe to Burlington Patch for more local news and real-time alerts.

Arrests

Wednesday, October 11: Police arrested David M. Sithole, 38, of Lawrence during a motor vehicle stop and charged him with operating an unregistered motor vehicle, operating a motor vehicle with a suspended registration, operating an uninsured motor vehicle and equipment violation.

Saturday, October 14: Macy's Loss Prevention reports detaining a female shoplifter at 10:07 pm. Police arrested Felsey Palma, 50, of Watertown.

Monday, October 16: Minor female transported to Lowell Juvenile Court on apprehension warrant.

Wednesday, October 11

Motor vehicle damage, 8:25 am: Caller requests to have logged his car was damaged while parked in front of Seasons 52 between 6:30- 10:30 pm last night. Passenger side door has a deep scratch, minor damage.

Needles in street at Blanchard Road, 10:12 am: Detail Officer requests unit to stop by his location for needles in the street. Needle located roadside. Needle placed in a sharps container.

Past theft at Sears, 10:19 am: Sears Loss Prevention reports detaining an internal shoplifter. Employee stole $484.00 worth of merchandise over the period of 3-4 months. Management will be seeking restitution from employee through a payment plan. Employee was issued trespass by Loss Prevention and escorted off property. Report on file in the event former employee does not meet payment requirements.

Hit-and-run at Wegman's, 10:38 am: A male party walked into the front lobby to request to have logged his vehicle being struck. On Monday 10/8, between 12:00 and 12:45 pm, car parked at Wegman's Grocery store. During this time, an unknown vehicle struck the passenger side bumper. Moderate damage. Unknown information of other involved vehicle.

Motor vehicle break-in at Sear's parking lot, 3:41 pm: Female party reports her older model CRV was broken into while she was inside Sears. Unable to locate calling party.

Shoplifting arrest at Wegman's, 10:00 pm: Bryan O'Connor, 26, of Melrose.

Thursday, October 12

Noise complaint, 5:34 am: Party reports her neighbor's car alarm has been going off for 5 minutes and just stopped prior to calling. Same has been an on going issue between both parties.

Explosion, 7:16 am: Caller reports hearing an explosion in the area, same believes it may be from a transformer behind the building. Unable to locate source of noise. All businesses appear to have power.

Theft at Residence Inn, 10:08 am: General manager of hotel reports TVs stolen from the property at some point overnight. G.M. requests extra checks of the area if possible.

Vehicle damage, Van De Graaf Drive, 1:27 pm: Caller reports past malicious damage to her vehicle while parked in the lot. Observed minor scratches to driver's side of vehicle.

Burglary, 1:36 pm: Caller states that he left his home at 7:00 pm last night and came home several hours later. sometime during that time period it is believed that someone went into his house and took a watch and an old Sony laptop. The mother claimed her china hutch was forced open and is missing a few hummel type statues.

Motor vehicle theft, 4:02 pm: Caller reports her vehicle was stolen from the parking lot between 11:30 am and 2 pm. Party took an Uber home then called to report the stolen vehicle. Cruiser sent to area to attempt to locate the vehicle in question. Vehicle located in the rear lot and was secure.

Suspicious person, 5:48 pm: Lahey Clinic Security reports a white male party left the ER. Male party is wearing all black carrying a red bag. Last seen 15 minutes ago headed towards Mall Rd. Lahey physician has issued a section 12. Subject was detained without incident after a short foot pursuit. Subject was transported back to Lahey.

Suspicious person, 8:57 pm: Caller reports being approached by an Asian female in the mall earlier in the evening. Female was asking personal questions. Incident occurred a few hours prior to caller calling and the mall was closed when caller called.

Friday, October 13

Credit card fraud at J. Crew, 9:01 am: Manager called and to report past credit card fraud. $2,000 worth of gift cards purchased with a stolen credit card.

Burglary, 3:14 pm: Caller reports someone broke into his house sometime overnight. Caller believes someone gained entry through an open window into the apartment and exited through the kitchen entry door. No items appear to have been taken at this time.

Saturday, October 14

Shoplifting at Kohl's, 12:24 pm: Merchandise recovered, less than $100 value. Store to handle via civil demand/trespass.

Vehicle break-in, Marshall Simonds Middle School, 4:13 pm: Caller reports his vehicle was broken into.

Shoplifting arrests at Victoria's Secret, 5:01 pm: Caller reports 1 male and 1 female took $990 in merchandise 30 min. ago..

Sunday, October 15

Assist public, 3:09 am: Caller states her 17-year-old son has not returned home after being out with friends last night. Caller states she believes he may be intoxicated and last known location was the Fox Hill School. 911 Caller reports sighting of male subject running down Fox Hill towards Sumner. Units dispatched to area to assist family attempt to locate. Mother called to report her 17-year-old son is home and safe at this time.

Shoplifting at Victoria's Secret, 12:43 pm: Caller reports a past larceny. Approximately $100 in clothing stolen. Suspect description: Black female, large hoop earrings, face piercing, wearing a pink hoodie.

Assist Tewksbury Police Department, 6:03 pm: Tewksbury PD requests a K-9 for a missing 14 year old female.

Assist Billerica Police Department in armed robbery investigation, 7:24 pm: K-9 response to Billerica. See earlier Patch coverage.

Monday, October 16

Fire at 5 Wall Street, 12:34 am: Mulch fire discovered by security, fire department on scene to handle same. Most likely started by discarded smoking material.

Burglary, 9:37 am: Resident reports hearing something in her basement at 6:30 am. At 09:00 am she discovered someone entered her home from a basement window and stole a gold cross and keys.

Suspected OUI, 10:27 am: Dunkin Donuts employee reports a female party drinking while going through the drive through. Suspect gone on arrival.

Safe found, 1:49 pm: An unopened safe was found inside the woods of Wildwood Park by a local dog walker. Insp Carlson arrived on location and took possession of the safe and will investigate.

Identity theft, 6:54 pm: Caller reports her identity was stolen and someone is renting a home under her name in Florida.

Suspicious person, 10:49 pm: Caller reports someone in backyard. Officer spoke to the reporting party, who said his girlfriend is receiving harassing text messages from his ex girlfriend. Caller also states he is getting calls and messages from blocked numbers. Caller was advised to contact BPD if parties returned. Officer's checked the area individuals in question, gone on arrival.

Tuesday, October 17

Assist public, 11:26 am: Elderly female reports her kitchen faucet broke and is spraying water all over her kitchen. Officer dispatched to assist. Main water valve to the house shut off due to rusted plumbing. Contact made with the calling parties son who will assist his mother.

Shoplifting at Kohl's, 3:18 pm: Loss Prevention reports shoplifting in progress by two females. Arrests made by name and charges not recorded in police log.

Theft, 4:57 pm: Caller reports a package was stolen from his front porch some time today.

Shoplifting at Sears, 5:55 pm: Caller reports one shoplifter detained, merchandise in excess of $400. Sears loss prevention is going to internally prosecute the party in question. Same was verbally trespassed from the store. Officer escorted the female party off of the property.

Well-being check, 9:56 pm: Caller requests the well being check on 16 year old that has left the house. Caller is the hockey coach of the youth and is concerned. Officer spoke with the juvenile and coach in question. Juvenile stated when he got home from practice he went for a walk to speak with his mother in private. Same was cut from his hockey team this evening and was upset. Same did not tell his teammates where he was going. Teammates called coach in concern. Officer spoke with mother of juvenile in question. Mother is fine with her son staying with teammates for the night. Coach was hanging out with players at the residence for a while as well. Officer reports male party made no threats to harm himself or anyone else.

The complete Burlington police log is available on the department's Web site.

Photo by Dave Copeland.