The following will be released as a CodeRED call at 5:30 PM on 4/26/13 -Since January 1st the department has recorded approximately 40 incidents of unlocked vehicles being entered and property being stolen. During the same time frame a dozen cars were stolen, half of which had their keys left in them with the doors unlocked. As a community we cannot stop all of these crimes but we can do a better job preventing them by securing and locking our property. In addition, the department would like to remind all residents about the importance of maintaining a visible house number on their residence. Missing or poorly displayed house numbers may delay a response during emergencies.
Cyber Criminals May be Using Explosions in Boston for Profit
Historically, scammers, spammers, and other malicious actors capitalize on major news events by registering domain names related to the events. Malicious actors may attempt to exploit the April 15, 2013 explosions at the Boston Marathon in this way. Some may use fake domains to take advantage of those interested in learning more details about the explosions, or target individuals looking to contribute to fundraising efforts.
In addition to fake domains, malicious actors may also create fake social media accounts with similar intent. For example, Twitter account @_BostonMarathon was created shortly after the explosions took place. The account stated it would donate $1 for each retweet, and was crafted to closely resemble the legitimate Boston Marathon Twitter account (@BostonMarathon). This account has since been suspended by Twitter; however, the likelihood that similar social media accounts will surface remains high.
DHS recommends that all persons looking to donate money in support of those affected by the events rely on official fundraising charities. Exercise caution when clicking on links or interacting with social media accounts that claim to represent the best interests of those involved in this incident. Additionally, when searching for updates on the story, it is safest to go directly to trusted news sources rather than conducting general search engine queries.
Phone Scams Back on Rise
Billerica – The Billerica Police is again urging the public to be aware of phone scams targeting the elderly. The most recent scam involved a suspect calling random seniors and pretending to be the grandson. Once the targeted senior is duped into believing they are speaking with their grandchild, the scammer manages to convince the senior that they need to wire money to assist them with a current crisis. The common theme pushed on the unsuspecting senior is that the money must be wired, usually via Money Gram or Western Union, in an expedited fashion. This department suggests that the public make their aging family members aware of this ongoing scam and advise that they always contact direct family members or law enforcement to check the integrity of the information.
Any additional questions should be directed to Lieutenant Roy Frost, 978-667-1212 x120
Arrests made for Attempted Murder and Unarmed Robbery
Billerica – On Thursday, April 4, 2013 at around 10:30 PM Billerica Police responded to a robbery that had just occurred at Dunkin Donuts, #459 Boston Road, Billerica. The investigation revealed that shortly after closing, two suspects forced entry in the restaurant while employees were still on scene. Two employees were seriously assaulted, after which the suspects stole an unspecified amount of cash. Following an intensive five day investigation, Billerica Police applied for arrests warrants on Joseph Sullivan, 25, of Nashua, NH and Nicholas Carter, 27, of Northwood, NH. On Tuesday, April 9, 2012, both suspects were arrested by New Hampshire authorities as Fugitives from Justice. They were both arraigned today and have pleaded not guilty while awaiting extradition to Massachusetts. These charges are merely accusations and both individuals are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Any additional questions should be directed to Lieutenant Roy Frost, 978-667-1212 x120
Arrest Made following recovery of Stolen Property
Billerica – Following a March 29, 2013 residential burglary that occurred on Timbercreek Lane in Billerica, police from Billerica, Chelmsford and Bedford began collaborating on leads related to a group of individuals operating an older blue Jaguar motor vehicle seen in the vicinity of a string of burglaries in those communities. While investigating a reported burglary in progress in Chelmsford, the Billerica Police located a group of suspects at #258 Nashua Road who were believed to have been associated with the suspicious blue Jaguar. After a preliminary investigation, Billerica Police arrested Shaun W. Armstrong, 33, of Billerica (formerly of Ayer), for Receiving Stolen Property, subsequent offense, related to the Timbercreek Lane Burglary. In addition, Chelmsford Police arrested Nicholas Ellis, 25, of Ayer MA for B&E Daytime with Intent to Commit a Felony. Of note, these arrests are considered accusations and both parties are considered innocent until proven guilty in court. They were both arraigned in Lowell District Court on April 9, 2013 where they plead not guilty to the above charges.
Any additional questions should be directed to Lieutenant Roy Frost, 978-667-1212 x120
Man Arrested After Saturday Morning Shooting
The Bllerica Police Department continues to investigate a shooting which occurred early Saturday morning at approximately midnight.
The incident occurred in East Billerica and no one was hurt. Shortly after the incident took place an arrest was made in Lowell by Billerica and Lowell Police. Arrested was Joseph Maccini, 20, of Lowell. A firearm was recovered during the arrest. We do not believe this was a random incident and the investigation remains active.
Mr. Maccini is expected to be arraigned in Lowell District Court on Monday morning for the following charges:
- Assault to murder
- Carrying a firearm unlicensed
- Possession of ammunition without FID card
- Discharge of a firearm within 500 ft of a dwelling
- Possession of a Class D drug with intent to distribute (Marijuana)
We expect additional information to be released once the investigation is completed.