There has been a number of recent breaks into cars in the area of Lake St. and Coolidge St. There was a vehicle seen in the area during the times of these breaks. It was a light colored sedan with a loud exhaust which left the area headed towards Framingham on Coolidge St. If you observe any suspicious activity please call the Police Department at 508-653-2424 or dial 911.

The following tips help prevent vehicle break-ins, which could lead to theft of the vehicle itself or of property items from the vehicle.

• Park in open, well-lighted, and populated areas near your destination, preferably one in view of a security camera. Avoid parking near trucks, vans, dumpsters, and other objects that obstruct visibility and provide hiding places. Avoid parking near strangers loitering or sitting in vehicles.
• Park in lots or garages where you don’t have to leave your keys.
• Park in your garage, if you have one. Don’t leave your vehicle on the street, in an alley, or on your driveway. If you have to park on a street, avoid dark or isolated areas.
• Turn off your engine, roll up all windows, lock all doors, and take your keys with you even if you are making a quick stop at a store or gas station, or even in your driveway. Close all windows and lock the trunk and hood.
• Don’t leave spare keys in your vehicle. An experienced thief knows all the hiding places. Store spare keys in your wallet.
• Don’t leave your vehicle in an unattended public lot for an extended period time.
• Buy a vehicle with interior hood and truck lock releases. Install a secondary hood lock if your car does not have one.
• Replace knob-type door lock buttons with tapered ones.
• Install an alarm system that will sound when someone attempts to break in, move, tilt, or start your vehicle. Always activate the system when leaving the vehicle.
• Check your vehicle if you hear the alarm sound. But don’t try to stop a person attempting to break in. Get a good description of the person and call the police.
• Lock your vehicle with the door lock button inside your vehicle instead of with your remote control.  Thieves are now able to pick up the signals from your remote when you lock your vehicle with it.