Crime & Safety

Winchester Police Warn Residents About Recent Break-Ins

Two homes have been vandalized recently by the same crew.

The wants residents to be aware of a string of break-ins that have occurred around town recently.

On May 27, a Royalston Avenue resident told police that a man knocked on her door and told her that his company would be digging a trench in her backyard starting in June.

The woman locked her front door and went to the back to meet him. After taking some measurements. A Winchester mail carrier who was in the area, told police that the man  got into an unmarked white van with no plates and drove away.

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“Apparently these guys are walking to someone’s door and convincing people in the house to go to the backyard to discuss some pending construction,” Winchester Lieutenant Peter MacDonell said. “Then, when the resident goes to the back, someone else goes to the front door and robs the house.”

A Chisholm Road resident was not as fortunate. About two weeks later, on June 13, police believe the same man came to the resident’s front door and said that he worked for a company that is doing work in town.

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The man said that the town agreed to let the company bury cables in his backyard and requested that he see the yard. The resident escorted the man to the back.

When the man’s wife returned home later in the day, she noticed items missing from their house.

“We want to alert residents to the fact that this is happening,” MacDonnell said. “If they notice suspicious activity, we want residents to notify the police and get the best description of the individual and the vehicle they’re operating.”

The man was described as being 6-2, Caucasian, thin build, dark hair, with a stud in his lower lip.

According to MacDonnell, there are at least two people involved in these break-ins, and they are probably parking the van a distance away then walk to the victim’s hosue.

MacDonnell wants residents to notify the police immediately if they notice suspicious activity.

“Residents should not open the door, they should dial 9-1-1 right away,” MacDonnell said.

Winchester Police are currently investigating to see if other communities have experienced the same thing, according to MacDonnell.


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