CRIME ALERT:
The Wellesley Police Department wants all residents to be aware of recent criminal activity in surrounding towns and in eastern Massachusetts. This activity has not occurred in Wellesley but the WPD is issuing this alert as a preventive measure.
Recently, there's been a significant increase in forced entry car break-ins. Windows are smashed and purses and/or wallets are taken from cars. Stolen checks, credit cards, driver's licenses and identities are then used in the following days to fraudulently obtain money.
Commonly targeted locations include work out or fitness centers, schools, daycare facilities and nursery schools. The suspects wait for an individual to leave a car in a parking lot, and then smash a window, steal a purse or wallet and flee the scene in less than a minute.
Recent thefts have occurred in the early morning - often prior to 8 a.m. - in busy, well-populated drop-off areas.
The WPD is reminding residents to NOT leave valuables in their cars, even for a short period of time. Locking the car will not deter thieves who are willing to smash a window.
This alert is intended as a proactive warning. If you see any suspicious activity, please immediately report it to the Wellesley Police Department by calling 9-1-1 or 781-235-1212.