Community Awareness Alert from HPD

From the Holliston Police Department

During the past few weeks, there have been multiple attempted residential breaking and entering of properties in Holliston. We are actively investigating each crime and therefore cannot publicly release any detailed information. However, we want to share important tips for the community on what to look for and how you can help.

Suspects involved in these types of breaks may not look out of place to you. They may dress like delivery personnel, wear safety vests or hard hats, or carry clipboards. They may walk around private property to see if anyone is home, and typically knock on the door to see if there is a response. They will also have a cover story, such as looking for a lost dog or car trouble. You may observe a vehicle parked in an usual location, such as near a long driveway or unoccupied near the entry/exit of a neighborhood.

We urge all residents to call us if you see anyone or a vehicle out of place, or interact with someone that just gives you that gut feeling something may be off. You may even observe a person or a vehicle that seems ordinary and blends in.

We also encourage all members of the community to secure doors and windows to your home and vehicles when you are leaving. Home video surveillance is another convenient and inexpensive way to safeguard your home, with exterior and interior cameras, and video doorbells.

If you observe any unfamiliar persons or vehicles, make note. You can do so by writing it down or if it is safe to do so, take a photo with your smartphone.

Once you have this information, don’t wait! Immediately call it in to our business line at 508-429-1212 or if it’s an emergency dial 911. You may email photos and videos into our department as well. We will immediately send officers to check the area and investigate your call.

Not sure what to say or do? Follow these helpful tips below when calling the police.

Tips for describing a person:

• Looks — for example, “I see a white male, brown hair and approximately 30-35 years old.”
• Clothing — Describe from head to toe. Note if wearing any type of hat, vest, jacket, sweatshirts, note the colors, clothing style (short sleeve, long sleeve, etc.), jeans, khakis, footwear, etc.
• Travel — Describe direction of travel. Is the person on foot or in a vehicle? If so, describe the vehicle. Get a license plate if you are able to do so.

Tips for describing a vehicle:

• License Plate — take a photo or write it down.
• Make and Model — example, “a red Jeep Cherokee” or “black SUV”
• Unusual Characteristics — dents, bumper stickers, graphics, wheels, tinted windows, cracked windshield.
• Number of persons in or around vehicle
• Travel — direction of travel, if the vehicle parked, if it is leaving the area.

We understand there may be some apprehension about calling. Callers may fear that they will appear to be judgmental or stereotyping. We can’t stress enough if you See Something, Say Something. You may hold the very piece of information that we are looking for. It doesn’t matter how big or small your information is, it is always important and helpful.

We take all calls seriously, with an investigative and respectful approach. And yes, sometimes it can just be a new Amazon driver or maybe an unregistered solicitor. But we don’t want this to deter you from calling in suspicious persons, behaviors, or vehicles. That one time you think it’s just another solicitor, it could actually crack open and help solve an investigation.

Remember, we are here 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There will always be someone here to answer your call.