GROVELAND — Chief Jeffrey Gillen reports that the Groveland Police Department has arrested a teenager and charged him after he allegedly broke into multiple motor vehicles on Wednesday.
At approximately 9:21 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 20, police responded to a report of two males on Ashcroft Circle who had arrived in a suspicious vehicle and were walking into driveways and checking vehicle door handles.
After an initial investigation, police learned that the vehicle the two suspects had arrived in was stolen. Upon arrival, the two suspects ran away from police on foot.
Police were able to locate one of the two teens, a MALE, AGE 17, OF HAVERHILL, and charged him with Receiving Stolen Property and Breaking and Entering into a Motor Vehicle.
Police have identified five individuals they believe were victims of the break-ins. All vehicles that were entered were determined to have been unlocked at the time.
“Fortunately, someone saw this suspicious behavior and called us in time to respond and identify one of these individuals,” Chief Gillen said. “We encourage residents to give us a call if they see something questionable, and to always lock their car doors. Also, I want to thank the Georgetown Police Department and Amesbury Police Officer Thomas Nichols and his K-9 for their assistance at the scene.”
Groveland Police are still seeking to identify the second individual involved, and anyone with any information regarding this incident is encouraged to call the Groveland Police Department at 978-521-1212.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Groveland Police remind vehicle owners to use common sense when parking and exiting your vehicle.
- Take your key, don’t leave it in your vehicle.
- Close all windows and lock all doors.
- Never leave valuables in your vehicle, and if you do, make sure they are out of sight.
- Never leave credit cards/debit cards, cash or your wallet or purse inside of your vehicle overnight.
- Park in well-lit areas or preferably inside a garage, if possible. Install lights with motion sensors near where you park your vehicle.
- Get in the routine of double-checking that your vehicle is locked and secure each night around 9 p.m. This is known as the 9 p.m. Routine.
If your vehicle has been stolen or broken into, follow these steps:
- Call 911 to report a vehicle theft or break-in. A copy of the police report and/or a case number will be needed to provide to your insurance company.
- You may be asked to provide the license plate number, make, model and color of the car, the VIN number and any identifying characteristics.
- Contact your insurance company to file a claim within 24 hours of when you discovered your vehicle was stolen or broken into.
- If you find your vehicle before authorities, contact the police immediately and then your insurance company.
These are allegations. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty.
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