Larchmont neighbors are on guard – and continue informing neighbors by email and texting – following the most recent burglaries in the normally low-crime town.
Late last week, residents circulated a text message urging others to step up protecting themselves against thieves:
Important alert! Make sure all doors are locked @ night & garage too. 2 more burglaries since last week, willow ave & ocean ave. houses were entered at night when people were home. Pass this on.
The current rash of burglaries and car break-ins in Larchmont and Mamaroneck started before the December holidays and, according to residents, continue. The January robbery of a man on Glenn Road in the Town of Mamaroneck as he was walking home from the Larchmont train station left neighbors particularly frightened.
There were two armed robberies near the Pelham train station last month as well and Pelham Police Chief Joe Benefico thinks the suspect in those crimes may be the same as that in the robbery on Glenn Road.
The Town of Mamaroneck and Larchmont Gardens Civic Association will host a crime prevention workshop at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the VFW/Senior Center, 1288 Boston Post Road in Larchmont.
“I never gave walking home from the train a second thought and now I do,” says Larchmont’s Dave Bradley, one of the victims of a car break-in.
Bradley says he used to be lax about locking doors before becoming a target. “This community was used to not having these things happen,” he says.
“Now we’re getting used to it,” he says. “I know I am.”
All are welcome to join the discussion February 8 at the VFW/Senior Center, 1288 Boston Post Road in Larchmont.
At a Town Board meeting Wednesday night, residents voiced concern and expressed the desire to meet with police leaders.
Representatives of the Town’s Police Department, Town Supervisor Nancy Seligson and Town Administrator Steve Altieri will be available to answer questions. For more information please contact Supervisor Nancy Seligson’s office at 914. 381-7805.
Yonkers police indicated they have no evidence that bullying fueled the Tuesday suicide of a freshman at the Ursuline School in New Rochelle, according to a story in LoHud‘s Sound Shore blog.
Reports that 14-year-old Eira Fatima Maghuyop was distraught over bullying before taking her own life in her Yonkers home by hanging, sparked an outpouring of sympathy and anti-bullying sentiment, particularly on social networking websites and blogs like this on Tumblr.
The Ursuline School issued a statement yesterday: “Today we have visited our student’s family and offered comfort. We have held special assemblies for all of our students, who are in mourning. We have made available extra counselors to the students and staff.”
Mamaroneck Town resident George Roniger voices concerns to the Board
Following the the night time robbery of a man as he walked home from the train station and a burglary last week in Larchmont, Town of Mamaroneck residents are asking area leaders to beef up police presence.
At a Town Board meeting Wednesday night, residents voiced concern and expressed the desire to meet with police leaders. They also asked officials to consider measures such as installing security cameras in public places and making them available to residents at discounted prices.
Board members said the Town Police Department is in the process of organizing a public safety demonstration that will be held for the public as soon as possible. In the meantime, however, residents should take simple precautions such as locking their homes and cars, Board members said.
Below is a page from storify with social media reaction to the suicide Tuesday of a 14 year old student at the Ursuline School in New Rochelle.
According to The Talk of the Sound, Eira Fatima Maghuyop killed herself in her Yonkers home Tuesday night after reportedly becoming despondent over bullying.
Ursuline, a private all-girls school, released a statement saying the school offered students grief counselors and “is deeply saddened by the loss of a fine young member of our school community.”
If the woman pictured below helped you recently at the Staples Office Superstore at 2444 Boston Post Rd. in Larchmont (Town of Mamaroneck), she may have been checking out more than your Post-it Notes.
Westchester County Police arrested 21-year-old Valerie Fajardo of the Bronx Tuesday and charged her with stealing credit card information from customers.
Police say Fajardo, a cashier, is accused of using a skimming device to capture the credit card information of 50 customers at the store. “She then sold that information to a third party who used it to create fraudulent credit cards and commit $181,800 in fraud,” according to Spokesman Kieran O’Leary. The fraud occurred between May and December 2011.
The skimming device used in the scam was seized at Fajardo’s Bronx home.
Fajardo was charged with criminal possession of a forgery device and scheme to defraud felonies; and 50 counts of unlawful possession of personal identification and 50 counts of petit larceny, misdemeanors.
Valerie Fajardo (courtesy Westchester County Police)
In Scarsdale Undercover, we share some of the more…unnecessary police activity that seems to occur in Scarsdale, New York.
Police were called because…
A Burgess Road resident reported two men standing on the curb staring at his home. One of the men was the resident’s neighbor who had come outside to smoke a cigar. Jan. 27
A woman parked in a local parking garage reported that the only key to her new car was missing. Officers retraced the woman’s steps and found the key at the bakery where she left it. Jan. 23
A Crane Road resident reported a raccoon sitting on her driveway. Jan. 27
A Beechwood Lane resident reported someone stole the house number from the front of his home. Jan. 28
A Heathcote Road resident reported a man sleeping in a blue car parked at the end of his driveway. Turned out that the man was a worker in the home. Jan. 29.
The Rye Police report some of the area’s most vulnerable homeowners are part of a widening telephone solicitation scam.
Without naming any victims, police say several recent incidents of callers asking elderly people to wire money to a relative in a foreign country have been reported in the county, with one, possibly more of the calls, received in Rye.
“Typically, the caller will claim that the victim’s son or grandson has been traveling overseas and has been involved in an accident or has been kidnapped, and needs money for ransom or to avoid being jailed,” a Rye PD spokesman said.
The money is wired, and it’s gone.
Residents should always report any anonymous request for money, police say.
The driver in a fatal wrong way-crash on I-95 in New Rochelle last summer is facing eight to 25 years in prison after pleading guilty today to all nine charges against her.
Police say Queens resident Tanisha Gomez drove at least six miles northbound on the wrong side on Interstate 95. She struck a 2005 Nissan on the southbound side of I-95 at about 4:30 a.m. on Sunday in New Rochelle. A passenger in the other car was killed in the July 24 accident.
Gomez’s blood alcohol level was more than twice the legal limit.
This email is circulating between residents in Larchmont:
Our neighbor’s house was broken into last night (Thursday) while she was in the house. Like the burglaries in the last few months, the burglar got into her car, opened the garage and broke into the house at around 3 AM. He took laptops, wallets, etc. He didn’t go upstairs. And according to the police, the burglar also likes good leather–he takes the good handbags but leaves the non-designer ones behind.
Unfortunately the Village of Larchmont Police Department has a policy of not releasing public information until it decides when to do so. Reporters are referred to the online police blotter. The current police blotter (as of 1/27) only reports crimes from 1/16-1/20.
A First Amendment lawyer we spoke with today says he believes this policy violates Freedom of Information laws in New York.
An automated phone call the week of Jan. 9 warned residents about a rash burglaries since Thanksgiving.
A recent robbery in the Town of Mamaroneck section of Larchmont also inspired email warnings among residents. There has been no significant break in that case, according to Town Police.
We will continue to press VOLPD more information. Feel free to email me at editor@theloopny.com with information or questions.
Apparently, things can get a little crazy at the IHOP in Larchmont after hours.
Police say that last Thursday, January 19 about 10:30 pm, two workers with the fire prevention contractor, Tristate Fire Prevention in Mount Vernon, got into a bit of an argument after the restaurant closed. A fight broke out and the defendant reportedly threatened his coworker with a knife. Police arrested and charged him with 2nd Degree Menacing.
They’re not saying if it was butter or steak.
A manager at Tristate tells us the men are no longer on the same crew. “They’ve been separated,” she said.
V&T Arrest: A 27 year old male from Portchester was charged with a DWAI (drugs) at 12:18 am on Saxon Drive after an investigation by the arresting officer. Jan.11
Vehicle Lockout: A woman accidentally locked her two infants in her car on Jefferson Avenue at 8:30am, the condition was corrected. Jan.11
Larceny: Someone stole a wallet at 9:30pm from the New York Sports Club on Palmer Avenue while it was left on a bench in the locker room. The wallet contained a credit card, personal papers and $30. Jan.11
Larceny: At Subway on Mamaroneck Avenue someone stole a sandwich at 10am. The suspect is a 58 year old homeless man. Jan.12
Accident Hit and Run: A 18 year old female hit the column of a building on Mamaroneck Avenue at 2am and fled the scene. She was driven back to the scene by a friend and was issued a summons for unlicensed operation and leaving the scene of an accident while the male was charged with a DWI after an investigation. Jan.13
Suspicious Person: A 25 year old homeless male was charged with possession of marijuana on Mamaroneck Avenue at 9:30am. Jan.13
Identity Theft: Someone stole over $2,200 from an unauthorized debit card. Jan.15
Larceny: Someone stole a bag of wood mulch valued at $15 from a resident on Saxon Drive at 12:21pm. Jan.16
Identity theft: Someone stole $660 from a debit card without permission. Jan.16
Larceny: On Scarsdale Avenue, a man using a borrowed phone fled with it at 2:51pm Jan.7
Larceny: Someone stole equipment from Dolma Road at 1:30pm. Jan.9
Suspicious Activity: A resident reported a male wearing a grey hoodie wrapped in a blanket under a tarp in her yard on Ferncliff Road at 5:45pm, when police arrived there was no one there. Jan.10
Larceny: Someone broke into a vehicle at Scarsdale High School between 3pm and 6pm by the gym entrance. Jan.11
Burglary: On Fairview Road, someone broke into a residence and stole property at 8:45am. Jan. 12
Identity theft and Fraud: An issued check was altered and fraudulently cashed. Jan. 16
Illegal Dumping: On Mildred Avenue a portable stop sign was placed in a driveway, the complainant reports that his ex wife may have put it there. Jan.3
Aggravated Assault: On Peck Avenue, in the apartments, an armed encounter with unknown individuals took place but fled the scene before four police cars arrived. Jan.4
Larceny: Damage was done to the town dock near AYC on Stuyvesant Ave at 11:09am. Jan.5
Suspicious Person: On Holly Lane a caller reported a naked male teenager running out of Loudon Woods onto Post Road crying at 7:56pm. When police arrived they found him highly intoxicated and he was taken without any identification to Greenwich hospital by EMS. Jan. 7
Larceny: A locked bicycle was stolen from the Station Plaza train station at 11:12am. Jan. 7
Arrest: A 76 year old male from Portchester NY was charged with exposure for urinating in public on Phillips Park Road at 10:15am. Jan.3
Accident Pedestrian: A 75 year old man was struck by a vehicle while crossing the street on 154 Mamaroneck Ave at 3:41pm. Medical aid was refused at the scene for minor scrapes and bruises. Jan.3
Drug Offense: A 21 year old male from Harrison was charged with a DWI after a traffic stop violation on 168 E Boston Post Road. He was charged with criminal possession of controlled substance, Heroin, and criminal possession of a hypodermic instrument, a needle at 3:42am. Jan.4
Larceny: On North Barry Avenue two lawn ornaments were taken from the front yard overnight valued at $40. Jan.5
Larceny: A cell phone, coat and wallet were taken from a locker at New York Sports club on Palmer Avenue between 8:15pm and 9:15pm. Jan. 5
Accident Pedestrian: On 544 Halstead Ave a 70 year old man was struck by a vehicle while standing next to his car at 7:34pm, medical attention was refused at the scene. Jan.6
Larceny: Someone stole a cell phone valued at $100 left at the Sunoco on Mamaroneck Avenue at 2:08pm. Jan.7
Larceny: Someone stole a bicycle valued at $100 from the front of a residence on Crown CT between Jan.5 and Jan.7th.
Larceny: A cell phone valued at $400 was stolen after it was left at Molly Spillanes on Mamaroneck Avenue at 5am. Jan.8
Larceny: Someone stole a wallet left on the counter at Dunkin Donuts on Boston Post Road at 1:04pm. Jan. 8
The Larchmont Police Chief is urging residents to keep the doors to their homes and cars locked following a rash of burglaries in the usually quiet village.
In an automated telephone call to residents Tuesday night, Chief John Poleway said that police responded to reports of five home burglaries, two attempted burglaries and numerous car entries over the past several months.
All of the reported cases involved thieves entering homes and cars through unlocked doors, Poleway said; In one instance, a burglar apparently got into a house using a garage door opener left in an open car, he said.
Poleway urged individuals to report any suspicious behavior to the Police Department.
The non-emergency phone number is 834-1000. In the event of an emergency, however, call 9-1-1.
Petit Larceny: Someone stole a plastic light up baby Jesus valued at $100 and display signs valued at $25 belonging to the Knights of Columbus from Palmer Road between Jan. 1st and Jan. 3rd.
Criminal: In Hommocks school two males aged 20 and 19 were caught with criminal possession of Marijuana in the fourth degree at 10:30pm. A scale and 500 ziplock baggies were found on the males in addition to marijuana residue, a dutch master, a lighter, 58.5 grams of marijuana, and 15.5 grams of marijuana found in a backpack. Jan.4
Criminal: A female, now wanted, used a forged prescription at CVS pharmacy on Boston Post Road at 6:30pm. Jan 6
Assault: At Hommocks Ice Rink on Hommocks road there was an assault in the third degree with the intent to be physical at 9:25pm. Jan 6.
Petit Larceny: A GPS valued at $250 was stolen from a resident on Rocky Hollow Drive between Dec.27th and Jan. 7th
Petit Larceny: Someone stole a ceramic baby Jesus valued at $200 from a home on Edgewood Avenue overnight. Jan 8.
Petit Larceny: Someone stole a Blackberry from a home on Rockland Avenue. Jan.2
Grand Larceny: Someone stole a $120 dollars from a leather wallet valued at $60 from Cosi restaurant on Boston Post Road at 8pm. Items stolen included Visa credit card, NYS benefit card, and Hudson Health card. Dec.31
The Town of Mamaroneck plans to beef up security at the Hommocks Park ice rink following an attack Friday on a 14-year-old boy, according to a town leader.
Stephen Altieri, the Town Administrator, said today there will be “some changes” to the security at the rink, which is operated by the Town’s recreation department. However, Altieri would not specify exactly what those changes will be in order to preserve their effectiveness. “If there are troublemakers, we want to be able to rouse them out,” he said.
Police are currently investigating Friday’s assault, which occurred at about 9:30 p.m. when a group of kids kicked and punched the boy after knocking him down, said Town police Lt. Robert Koziak. The victim received minor injuries to his face, he said.
The attackers ran away before police arrived, Koziak said. The victim’s family is not pressing charges.
Despite unconfirmed reports that Friday nights at the rink – a popular destination for youths – is fraught with tension, last week’s assault was an anomaly at the ice rink during skating hours, town officials said. “I want to believe this is really an aberration and the rink will be a great place to go anytime,” Altieri said.
The incident – and potential for more – is being taken seriously, however. “Anytime you put that many teenagers in the same place it’s a possibility,” he said.
– Photos by Jacqueline Silberbush. Additional reporting by Diana Marszalek.
Criminal Mischief: A rock was thrown though the window of Rye Art Gallery on Boston Post Road at 6:30am. Dec.22
Criminal Mischief: Two tires were slashed overnight on Purchase Street. Dec.22
Criminal Mischief: Someone smashed the passenger side rear window at station plaza at 8:30am, northing appeared to be missing. Dec.24
Larceny: Someone stole the AC compressor unit behind 37 Oakland Beach Avenue along with copper sheatings between Friday Dec. 23rd and Dec. 26th.
Larceny: An unknown party hacked into someone’s AOL email account and authorized two wire transfers for two separate bank accounts in Australia. Dec.29th
Burglary: Movers stole a watch and a wedding band on December 16th while assembling a desk containing those items. Jan.1
Larceny from a Motor Vehicle: Someone stole a gps navigation from a vehicle on Centre Street. Jan.2
In Scarsdale Undercover, we share some of the more…unnecessary…police activity that seems to occur only in Scarsdale, New York. The “real” crimes will continue to appear in our weekly Police Blotter.
A resident reported someone put “flaming debris,” which turned out to be a bag of dog poop, on his front doorstep before ringing the bell and leaving. Dec. 30
A caller reported a possible dispute between a man and woman standing near the intersection of Post and Burgess roads. “Patrol found the listed individuals who were observed calmly talking to each other at the listed intersection. They stated that they weren’t arguing and didn’t need any police assistance. They stated that they just left a party and they were awaiting a taxi.” Jan. 1
A resident reported his nanny and children missing. He found them. Dec. 30
A Madison Road resident reported workers at a neighbor’s house throwing chimney bricks onto her property, killing bushes. Police told them to stop. Dec. 28
Two Dunham Road residents reported a man shining a red laser into their houses. The culprit was gone when police arrived. Dec. 28
A man cleaning the Bank of America branch on Christie Place reported locking himself inside the bank building. The man got out by sliding under a security gate that police were able to lift. Dec. 28
Larceny: On Palmer Avenue someone stole a jacket from New York Sports Club that was on a coat rack valued at $140. Dec.21
Larceny: In November an unknown person made charges to a credit card totaling $950. Dec. 21
Fraud: Unauthorized charges were made on a debit card account totaling $450. Dec.22
Arrest: A 35 year old male from Mamaroneck was arrested and charged with a DWI after a traffic stop violation, in addition to criminal possession of cocaine. Dec.22
Suspicious Incident: Someone entered a vehicle on Palmer Avenue, while parked and unoccupied in a lot, and removed a wallet. Dec.24
Larceny: On Wood Street between 5am and 9am a vehicle was entered, while parked and unoccupied on the street, and someone stole a GPS valued at $100. Dec.25
Arrest: A 35 year old male from Mamaroneck was charged with disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, assault for causing a disturbance on Ward Avenue, refusing to be arrested/ handcuffed and striking a police officer. Dec. 25
Larceny: Someone stole silver steak knives valued at $1,000 from a residence on Union Avenue between September 2011 and December 25. Dec.29
Larceny: Someone entered an unlocked vehicle overnight and stole an iPod valued at $300 on Florence Street. Dec.30
Larceny: Someone stole a snowblower from a garage on James Street valued at $600 between 10am on January 1st and 10:20am on January 2nd. Jan.2
Petit Larceny: Someone stole a Blackberry and a GPS each valued at $200 on Rockland Avenue. Dec. 28
Grand Larceny: Someone stole 2 pairs of pearl earrings and a pearl bracelet from a home on Valley Road sometime between September 1st and December 19th.
Theft of Services/ Refusal to Pay: Someone refused to pay a bill of $92.81 from Nautilus Diner at 11:59pm Dec. 25.
Petit Larceny: Someone stole $12 and a pair of Nike sunglasses valued at $100 from a parked car on Palmer Avenue between the hours of 12:30am and 11:15am. Dec. 24
Grand Larceny: Someone stole a sterling silver cross and chain, worth $60, and Hoku pearl earrings worth $125 on Vine Road between Oct. 15 and Dec. 20.
Grand Larceny: Someone stole a $4,000 car and a $35 lock and chain overnight from General Landscaping Inc. on 5th Avenue. Dec.20
Petit Larceny: Someone stole a GPS worth $200 and a toolset worth $200 from a local business on Dean Place overnight. Dec.16
Grand Larceny: Someone stole a wedding ring valued at $1,500 between Nov.19 and Dec.10 from a home on Garit Lane.
Petit Larceny: Someone stole a Garmin worth $200 from Marbourne Drive overnight. Dec.14
Grand Larceny: Someone stole car 4 tires and rims worth $1,500 from Larchmont Acres parking lot on Burton Road. Dec.13
Identity Theft: Someone stole $1100 from another’s bank account. Victim lives on Fenimore Road. Dec.19
Animal Struck: A bulldog was struck and killed on Stanley Avenue by an unknown vehicle that left the scene. Dec.18
Stolen Vehicle: A parked car was stolen overnight on Palmer Avenue. Dec.16
Larceny: A Dell computer worth $1000 was stolen from Halstead Avenue sometime between Nov.30 and Dec.15
Criminal Mischief: A car window was shattered while parked and unoccupied in a parking lot on Boston Post Road and a pocketbook taken from inside. Dec.15
Larceny: Someone left the gas station without paying $55 worth of on Mamaroneck Ave. Dec.15
Larceny: Approximately $900 was taken from a business during closed hours on Boston Post Road. Dec.15
Larceny: Someone stole a cell phone valued at $100, car keys, and $10 from the locker room area at Equinox Gym on Boston Post Road. Dec.14
Larceny from Motor Vehicle: On Trails End Road the left rear window of a car was smashed overnight and someone stole an iPod worth $300. Dec.19
Criminal Mischief: On Evergreen Avenue a car was smashed through the front right passenger side window; armrest and front seat area appeared searched, nothing was reported missing. Dec.19
Wanted: A man is wanted for leaving the scene of an auto incident on Palmer Avenue involving several passengers. Dec.11
Petit Larceny: An Eddie Bauer jacket valued at $290 was stolen from a home on York Road overnight. Dec.10
Grand Larceny: A camera and a handbag valued at $750, as well as three credit cards, were stolen overnight from a home on Winged Foot Drive Dec.10
Grand Larceny: Someone stole an iPod valued at $400, a large basket of Neutrogena cosmetics valued at $400 and a box of Lands End clothes valued at $500 from a home on Durham Road overnight.
Grand Larceny: A robber stole four Acura wheel rims valued at $1,700, four tires valued at $1,100, a plastic crate, a tire jack and a lug nut from Acura of Westchester on Palmer Avenue. The robbery occurred between 2-4:15 a.m. Dec 9.
Arrest: A 23-year-old White Plains woman was arrested and charged with Grand Larceny from an incident on Nov.18 involving a missing laptop computer. Dec. 6
Larceny: Someone used a debit card number to make purchases valued at approximately $680. Dec.6
Larceny: Stereo equipment and a video game console worth about $2,000 were were stolen from a car parked overnight in a Fayette Avenue driveway. Dec.7
Recovered Vehicle: A vehicle reported stolen on Dec.4 from Washington Street was found by police in Massachusetts. Dec.9
Vandalism: The 17th hole on the Apawamis Club golf course was damaged; Numerous rakes, a ball washer and two irrigation controllers were kicked and broken. Dec.12
Criminal Mischief: The Planet Pizza building on Boston Post Road was marred by graffiti, causing $1,500 to $2,000 worth of damage. Dec.11
Burglary: A burglar stole jewelry from a Purchase Street apartment after breaking into the residence between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. Dec.8
Larceny: Tools were stolen from a construction job site on Cayuga Street. Dec.7
In Scarsdale Undercover, we share some of the more…unnecessary…police activity that seems to occur only in Scarsdale, New York. The “real” crimes will continue to appear in our weekly Police Blotter.
A Lockwood Road resident reported being harassed by his neighbors who yell “shut up” nightly at him through an open window. The caller “admitted that he does shout with his sister inside his home late at night.” But when questioned by police, the neighbor said he doesn’t hear it. Police told the caller “to try and be more quiet during the night.” Dec. 8.
A resident reported loud music coming from the village’s Boniface Circle retail area. Police heard holiday music being played from an empty retail space and turned it down; “Of note is the Scarsdale Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring Shop in Scarsdale on Thursday evenings through Christmas,” although police did not know whether the music was related to the event. Dec. 8.
A Nelson Road resident reported someone stole the brake covers off her car while it was parked in the driveway. Police found out there are no brake covers on this particular make and model car. Dec. 9.
A caller reported a lone man sitting all morning in car parked near Franklin Road and Penn Boulevard. The car was gone by the time police arrived. Dec. 6.
From the Larchmont Police Department blotter on-line:
VEHICLE & TRAFFIC LAW ARREST
A New Rochelle man was arrested on 12/3 and charged with operating with suspended driving privileges after he was observed operating his vehicle on Franklin Ave and committing a traffic infraction. The vehicle was impounded and the operator was released on $200 bail.
PENAL LAW ARREST
A Larchmont resident was arrested on 12/6 and charged with misdemeanor Possession of Marijuana after he was observed by a Larchmont Police Officer on Brittany Lane smoking a marijuana cigarette. He was released to his parents on his own recognizance.
PENAL LAW ARREST
Two Mamaroneck Village residents were arrested late on 12/6 on Brittany Lane after they were observed in a vehicle by a Larchmont Police Officer. A 19 year old male and a seventeen-year-old male occupant were charged with Criminal Possession of Marijuana 5th degree, a third occupant was released from the scene. Officers seized a quantity of marijuana, scales, plastic bags, and cash from Pickel’s vehicle. The vehicle was impounded and each was released on $250 bail.
LARCENY
A Parkway resident reported on 12/6 that someone removed property, valued at $100, from a package which had been delivered and left at the front door of the residence.
LARCENY
A Parkway resident reported on 12/6 that on 11/29 someone removed property, valued in excess of $2000, from her vehicle which had was parked and unlocked in the driveway of the residence.
In addition to the preceding, Larchmont Police Officers also responded to Following:
Residents in Larchmont Village report anecdotally there have been three residential burglaries over the past two weeks, all during the late night-early morning hours, one on Old Colony, one on Spanish Cove and one on Ocean Ave, all while the residents were home and sleeping. Please take extra precautions and make sure doors are locked and exterior lights and alarms are on.
MAMARONECK VILLAGE
Stolen Vehicle: Someone stole a vehicle on Washington Street while it was parked and unoccupied between the hours of 1:00-6:50pm. Dec.2
Larceny: Between Dec.1 and Dec.3 a car was broken into while parked and unoccupied on Orchard St and $550 of audio equipment was stolen.
Larceny: A cell phone was stolen from a Mamaroneck High School gym locker valued at $200.
Larceny: Between Nov.11th and Dec.1st a car was broken into through the window on Boston Post Road while unoccupied and parked, someone stole $800 worth of items including stereo equipment, 6PS and a watch.
RYE
Larceny: A vehicle was broken into through the sunroof overnight on Grace Church St, various personal papers were stolen and then found on a neighboring lawn and returned. Dec.4
Larceny: On Hook Road a vehicle was broken into overnight through the rear window. Dec.4
Larceny: On Hook Road a vehicle was broken into overnight through an unlocked door, someone stole the car radio. Dec.4
TOWN OF MAMARONECK
Petit Larceny: A mountain Schwinn bicycle was stolen from the Hommocks Middle School worth $225. Dec.1
SCARSDALE
Larceny: A bicycle was stolen from the bike racks at the Scarsdale Train Station. Nov.28
Larceny: Three wheels were stolen off a parked vehicle at the Christie Place Garage. Nov.29
Larceny: A camera lens was stolen from Scarsdale High School. Dec. 3
LARCHMONT
Larceny: On Concord Avenue a bicycle worth $100 was stolen form a residents garage. Nov.27
Larceny: Someone stole valuables, last seen during the summer, from a resident’s safe on Sherwood Drive. Nov.29
Burglary: A home was broken into overnight on Ocean Avenue and over $1100 worth of property was stolen. Nov.30
Larceny: Someone took $5,000 from someone else’s bank account without permission. Nov. 30.
Larceny: $1,200 worth of stereo equipment was stolen from three cars parked overnight on Waverly Avenue. Nov. 30.
Pedestrian Accident: Bicyclist hit by a car on Melbourne Avenue. EMS arrived at the scene but cyclist refused medial attention. Nov. 29.
Arrest: 21-year-old male arrested for unlawful possession of marijuana.
Burglary: Two computers and two monitors worth $7,300 were stolen from a Fayette Avenue business over Thanksgiving weekend.
Larceny: Someone charged approximately $950 on a credit card after taking the card from a car parked on Rockland Avenue. Nov.27.
Arrest: Four 17-year-old youths were charged with possession of marijuana after police stopped the car they were in for a traffic violation. The driver was also charged with a DWI. Nov.27.
Criminal Mischief: A parked car’s window was shattered on Johnson Place. Nov.26.
Animal Complaint: Two dogs and two cats were reported left behind at a home for two days. The New Rochelle Humane society responded to the Mamaroneck Avenue location and retrieved the animals. Nov.23.
RYE
Larceny: Someone stole a purse, electronics and cash from a car parked overnight on Highland Road after smashing through the window. Nov.30.
Property Stolen: Someone stole a bike from the yard of a Dogwood Lane home. Another bike was stolen from the same yard in April. Nov.30.
TOWN OF MAMARONECK
Burglary: Someone stole a Motorola Cell Phone Droid worth $400 from a car parked at a residence on Howell Avenue. Nov.24.
Larceny: Someone stole a bike from the Hommocks Middle School. Nov.22.
LARCHMONT
Burglary: An Old Colony Drive resident reported that a burglar stole $3,500 worth of property after entering his home overnight. Nov.24.
Larceny: An Old Colony Drive resident reported that someone stole $6 from his vehicle, which was parked in his driveway. Nov.24
Larceny: Someone stole a woman’s purse while at a Larchmont Avenue restaurant. Nov.24.
Burglary: Someone entered a Spanish Cove Road residence overnight and stole $10. Nov.24.
SCARSDALE
Identity Theft and Fraud: Four cases of minor identity theft and fraud were reported between Nov.11 and Nov.28.
Criminal Mischief: A fence was damaged overnight on Springdale Road. Nov.26.
Larceny: A purse went missing at the Tennis Court Complex on Mamaroneck Road. The purse contained two gift cards worth $100, $160 in cash, a credit card and a driver’s license. Nov.26.
Larchmont Police conducted a training exercise at this house
A friend passing by the crime — or, rather, not crime — scene was the first to alert me to the police activity at a house on the southeast corner of Iden and Larchmont Avenues. “Taped off, not able to enter without permission. Lots of police.”
It sounded big. But when I called the Larchmont PD the Desk Sargeant laid out exactly what was happening: “Nothing.”
Nothing? It couldn’t be true.
I walked the few blocks to the scene, where, confirmed, the house was cordoned off by that bright yellow tape, there were officers in the driveway and signs telling the rest of us to keep clear. Surely I could use use my journalistic prowess to get to the bottom of this. The on-site officer clearly knew I meant business.
“Nothing,” was his answer when i asked what was up.
Nothing again? I wasn’t buying it. Sure seemed like the cops were putting a lot of effort into something that was “nothing.”
“Nothing. Really,” the officer reiterated.
Turns out, though, that all my police sources were telling me the truth, just as you’d expect officers to do, right? The story (or lack there of) behind the story was, in fact, that a whole lot of nothing was going on at the house.
Sort of.
Police were using the house for a training exercise. Apparently, it’s something they do every so often.
But in our quiet neck of the woods, that nothing was, in fact, really quite something. The activity turned enough heads that it sparked a bit of alarm — which (fortunately) we don’t get too often.
In Scarsdale Undercover, we share some of the more…unnecessary…police activity that seems to occur only in Scarsdale, New York. The “real” crimes will continue to appear in our weekly Police Blotter.
A Vanderbilt Road resident reported “hundreds of kids in front of her home.” They were trick-or-treaters. Oct. 31
A Heathcote Road resident called police, saying “she was upset she could not get out of her driveway due to a Con-Ed worker assigned to that area blocking her driveway because of a low hanging, live wire.” The woman was insistent upon exiting her driveway and ignored the warnings of the worker and police. “It should be noted that (the resident) could have used a second and safer driveway.” Nov. 1
On Nov. 4, a Ridge Road resident reported a man sitting in a parked car, saying that the car had been there several times before and “feels to be suspicious.” Police learned the man was a private investigator working in the area. A day later, a caller reported a man sitting in a parked car on Greendale Road “for the last couple of days.” It was the same PI.
A Nelson Road resident reported that her car was stolen. Her son had taken it. Nov. 7
County Police report a dramatic chase this morning ended with the help of a canine (Bloodhound) hero:
The incident began about 1 a.m. when Police Officer Michael Ritell attempted to stop a vehicle with Virginia plates for a traffic violation on Mamaroneck Road in the vicinity of the Saxon Woods golf course and the Hutchinson River Parkway. The driver refused to stop and eventually drove into the parking lot of the Scarsdale pool, jumped out of the car while it was still moving at a slow rate of speed, and fled across Mamaroneck Road into Crossways Park.
Ritell pursued the suspect, and multiple Westchester County Police units responded to assist in the search, including Officer Brian Tierney and tracking canine Saratoga. Saratoga tracked the suspect’s scent to a nearby soccer field, through an adjacent field and down to a baseball field. Saratoga continued the track down a steep grade and located a red-and-green plaid jacket that had been worn and discarded by the suspect. She then went back up the hill and down another embankment and located the suspect, who was curled up in leaves in an effort to hide himself. The area is proximate to the back yards of homes along Rural Drive.
Demitri Gordon, 18, of Crary Avenue, Mount Vernon, was taken into custody. A computer check revealed that the vehicle had been reported stolen in New York City on Oct. 30.
Gordon was subsequently charged with Criminal Possession of Stolen Property 3rd Degree and Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle 1st Degree, felonies, and Resisting Arrest, a misdemeanor. He was also issued several summonses, including Failure to Comply With a Police Officer and Driving Without a License.
He was arraigned this morning in Scarsdale Village Court and remanded to the Westchester County Jail in Valhalla.
In Scarsdale Undercover, we share some of the more…unnecessary…police activity that seems to occur only in Scarsdale, New York. The “real” crimes will continue to appear in our weekly Police Blotter.
A Popham Road resident reported someone poured salad dressing on her car while it was parked overnight. Oct. 17
An Overlook Road resident reported a neighbor piling leaves and putting tree limbs in the road. Police concluded the “small amounts of leaves on the roadway does not cause a hazard to drivers.” Oct. 17
In Scarsdale Undercover, we share some of the more…unnecessary…police activity that seems to occur only in Scarsdale, New York. The “real” crimes will continue to appear in our weekly Police Blotter.
The owner of a barbershop reported a domesticated bird entering his store and not leaving. The man eventually brought the bird to a local nature center. Oct. 15.
A Cushman Road resident reported a blue vehicle circling the area slowly, acting suspiciously. Police didn’t find any such thing. Oct. 15.
A caller reported a female hitchhiker, wearing a yellow blazer and jeans, near Heathcote Road and Weaver Street. Police didn’t find her. Oct. 15.
A Rectory Lane resident reported a car on her front lawn, and she didn’t know why or how it got there. Turns out the car belonged to a pharmacy delivery person who misjudged the entrance to the driveway and got stuck. A mechanic helped remove the car. Oct. 14.
A Richbell Road resident reported that someone rang he doorbell twice but no one was there. Turns out a friend of the homeowner’s child left candy at the door. Oct. 14.
A Gatehouse Road resident reported two suspicious vehicles parked in front of her house several times during the week. The cars belonged to men doing brick work across the street. Oct. 10.
The Larchmont Police Department did not update its public blotter this week.
VILLAGE OF MAMARONECK
ARREST: A 17 year-old boy from Connecticut was charged with possession of an alcoholic beverage while on Halstead Avenue. Oct.12
ARREST: A 43 year-old woman from Yorktown Heights was charged with DWI after committing a traffic infraction on Palmer Avenue. Oct.13
ARREST: A 32 year-old woman from Yonkers was charged with DWI after patrol noticed the car parked, occupied and obstructing traffic on old White Plains Road. Oct.14
ARREST: A 16 year-old boy from Mamaroneck Village was charged with disorderly conduct after shouting obscenities in public, and public harassment. Oct.14
ARREST: A 24 year-old man from White Plains was charged with DWI after being pulled over for going through a traffic light on Mamaroneck Avenue. Oct.15
TOWN OF MAMARONECK
LARCENY: An employee of the Westchester Jewish Center on North Broadway made a call-in report that someone stole $350 from a collection box. Oct.12
RYE
ARREST: A 45 year-old landscaper from White Plains was charged with assault after engaging a fist fight with his 21 year-old co-worker. Oct.12
LARCENY: A Forest Avenue resident reported that her laptop went missing from her apartment. At this time it is unknown who took the laptop and case is being investigated further. Oct.13
LARCENY: A Cowles Avenue resident made a call-in complaint that her car window was smashed and her purse was stolen. She came out to get her purse from the car in morning and found the window shattered. Oct.16
LARCENY: A Pine Lane resident made a call-in complaint that someone broke into his car and stole several items while it was parked in the home’s driveway. Oct.16
In Scarsdale Undercover, we share some of the more…unnecessary…police activity that seems to occur only in Scarsdale, New York. The “real” crimes will continue to appear in our weekly Police Blotter.
A Dolma Road resident reported an “ongoing issue” with a suspicious silver BMW with tinted windows parked on the street. The man operating the car was a driver for an area resident who had parked his car on Dolma to kill time before work. Oct. 3.
A woman reported her 2-year-old grandson missing from his nursery school when she arrived to get him. The boy’s father had picked the child up earlier but forgot to tell his mother. Oct. 4.
A caller reported four bags on the side of the road that “appear to have some sort of vapor” coming from them. The bags of yard waste were wet and letting off steam. Oct. 6.
A local resident reported a van parked on the street all week. The car was not breaking any parking rules. Oct. 7.
A man reported his car missing from the Train Station after he parked it there more than five hours earlier. Turns out a relative was using the car. Oct. 7.
A Ridgedale Road resident reported an SUV parked in front of his house, with the driver honking his horn for a fairly long time before throwing a plastic cup on the individual’s lawn. Police couldn’t find the car or driver. Oct. 9.
LARCENY: A Nassau Road resident reported that his bicycle, valued at $300, was removed from the bicycle rack in Lot 1. Oct. 2
LARCENY: A Mamaroneck Town resident reported that his bicycle, valued at $250, was removed from the bicycle rack in Lot 3. Oct. 2
VILLAGE OF MAMARONECK
ARREST: A 44 year-old man from Mamaroneck was charged with harassing a 71 year-old man while on Mount Pleasant Avenue. The offender continuously forced unwanted contact. Oct. 6
LARCENY: A Mamaroneck avenue resident made a walk-in complaint that someone charged $400 to their credit card. The woman stated that her bag was stolen on the train and the credit card was in the bag. Oct. 8
LARCENY: A Fenimore road resident made a walk-in complaint that someone had made charges on their credit card in the amount of $8200. Oct. 8
ARREST: A 16 year-old boy from New Rochelle was charged with grand larceny after stealing a 2006 Chevrolet from a Fayette avenue resident. Oct. 9
ARREST: Three men were charged with disorderly conduct after a fight broke out on Mamaroneck Avenue. None of the men suffered any serious injuries. Oct. 9
ARREST: A 44 year-old man from New Rochelle was charged with a DWI after being pulled over for driving erratically. Oct. 9
TOWN OF MAMARONECK
LARCENY: An employee of the GAP on Boston Post Road made a call-in report that a customer’s purse had been stolen containing $200, debit and credit cards, and several other items. Oct. 5
RYE
LARCENY: A Bulkley Manor resident made a walk-in complaint that someone had taken several items from her unlocked car while it was parked on the street. Oct.3
LARCENY: A Brevoort Lane resident made a call-in complaint that someone had stolen several pieces of jewelry from her apartment. She stated that she has not seen the items since July and that several different people were in her home over periods of time. Oct 4
SCARSDALE
LARCENY: A Southwoods Lane resident made a call-in report that her several items were taken from her suitcase while she was on a Delta Airlines flight. The case is still being investigated. Oct. 4
LARCENY: A Connecticut resident made a call-in report that her car was broken into and her laptop was taken while parked on Overhill Road. Oct. 7
Just slightly more than a week after urging residents to be on guard, Rye police have discovered an ATM card skimmer at a local bank.
The skimmer found at the HSBC Bank on Purchase Street is the fifth device of its kind discovered recently in Westchester. Similar illegal set-ups, which also include hidden cameras, have been found at bank machines in Bronxville, Pelham, Yonkers and Poughkeepsie.
The skimmers record information from a user’s ATM card and the cameras record the user’s PIN as it is punched in on the ATM keypad.
The Rye Police Department issued an alert on Sunday, advising ATM users to take precautions when using their bank cards. Those precautions include:
Before inserting your card into the slot of an ATM, wiggle the slot. Normal ATM slots should not wiggle, but a skimmer installed on the slot may seem loose.
Cover the keypad with your free hand while keying in your PIN, so if a hidden camera is installed it will not be able to record the number.
Always be aware of your surroundings when making an ATM transaction, and be alert for suspicious activity or people loitering nearby.
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