Footprints in Snow Lead Mansfield Police to Alleged Thief

A man soliciting a snow shoveling servicing was actually removing something other than snow according to police.

Matthew Paige, 24, of Mansfield was arrested on Saturday and charged with breaking and entering in the daytime for a felony, larceny, vandalizing property, and receiving stolen property over $250.

Police started their investigation a little before 3 p.m. when they received a report of a possible break-in on West Street.

Following footprints left in the snow, police were led to a neighbor’s home who claimed Paige came to his door, solicited a snow shoving service, and left his name and phone number.

Police were able to obtain a search warrant for his home on Copeland Drive, where missing items were found.

Paige was arraigned in Attleboro District Court on Monday according to the Sun Chronicle. He was ordered held in jail on $2,500 cash bail or $25,000 surety.