Retail Thefts, Burglars and Guns
- Details
- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
- Hits: 5218
Here are highlights of the police report for the final two weeks of December:
Guns: A School Lane man turned over two guns to the police on December 21. The guns belonged to his deceased father and included a Browning 22 Long Rifle and an Ithaca Shotgun Model 37R Featherlight. The man presented his father's death certificate, and permits for the rifle and shotgun. He completed a voluntary statement granting permission for the guns to be destroyed.
On the afternoon of 12/20 a rifle round was found near the pond at the library and turned over to police.
Burglars:
A home on Saxon Woods Road was entered on the evening of 12/18. The resident went into her closet in the master bedroom and noticed that someone had gone through it and taken several watches, jewelry and a Louis Vuitton duffle bag and suitcase. Screens were pried off two windows which were broken and determined to be the point of entry. A basement window was broken and there were dirt footprints on the basement carpet.
Police investigated an attempted burglary at a home on Cushman Road on the night of December 22. They found pry mark on two rear doors that appeared to be caused by someone trying to get into the house. Police checked the rest of the exterior and found everything in order. Wristwatches were also missing from a dresser drawer.
The burglar alarm at a home on Morris Lane went off on the morning of 12/23 and the resident found the window to the library wide open. Police found no signs of tampering or forced entry but the homeowner was concerned about footprints he found near the front of the house. The man later reported that his Apple Macbook Pro laptop computer was missing from his library. It was accessible from the open window.
Thefts:
A red and green laser light projector was stolen from the front lawn of a home on Madison Road on December 23. The projector was used to project holiday decorations and was valued at $50.
A Kindle, credit cards and cash were stolen from an Overhill Road home sometime between 12/24 -12/26.
A saleswoman at a clothing store on Spencer Place (Great Stuff) in Scarsdale said that a Moncler hat, valued at $400 had been stolen from the store on the afternoon of 12/27. According to the report, three people entered the store, and one heavy set black woman wearing a coat with a fur-lined hood took the hat while the others distracted the saleswoman. Police reviewed the video and witnessed the theft.
Earlier that afternoon another store on Boniface Circle (LF?) reported the theft of a pink fur keychain ($28) and a lipstick shaped cell phone case ($48). The same three suspects, black and female entered the store and one took the items.
A Brayton Road woman reported that her Michael Kors handbag including credit cards, her driver's license and professional licenses had been stolen on 12/22. She last remembered seeing at 12:25 at Starbucks in Hartsdale and only realized that it was missing when she went to ShopRite at 7:20 that night. She contacted the bank and found that unauthorized charges had been made to her debt card and they cancelled and blocked the card from further use.
A woman's handbag was stolen from a home on Fairview Road on December 24. The resident found the door to the house ajar and discovered that his wife's purse was missing.
Lost:
On 12/18 a Saxon Woods Road man told police that his son lost two cell phones at Scarsdale High School. One was an iPhone 5S and the other was a Samsun Galaxy.
Found:
A set of keys to a Cadillac keys were found near the Scarsdale Police station at 1 pm on December 21 and turned over to police. Police tried to find the car nearby but were unable to do so.
On December 23rd, police received bike locks that were found at the rack on Depot Place. The five locks have been stored at the police station.
Another set of car keys was found at the Girl Scout House on December 26th. The key ring included a loyalty card for Jo-Ann's Fabrics. Police called the store to see if they could identify the owner but they said they could not release any information. The keys are being held at the station.
On December 15 a Montrose Road woman reported that someone left a white children's bike on her property on October 10. The bike says Mountain Track 60". Police took possession of the bike.
Threatening Letter:
An 80 year-old resident of Black Birch Lane reported the receipt of a threatening letter on December on 21st. The letter was received by U.S. mail and said, "The town of Scarsdale wishes you both get what you deserve for the new Year To drop dead! It's time you moved out!! And move into prison next year .... Watch-your step before you fall ...." The woman said she found this letter to be threatening and to fear for her safety and the safety of her family.
Damage:
A chain from a power shovel that is used to pull large trash bins at the sanitation yard on Secor Road broke and damaged a nearby car on 12/22. The chain flew off the power shovel and hit the passenger side door of a 2015 Mazda CX 5 that was parked nearby. No one was in the car at the time.
Street signs were damaged with graffiti in Greenacres on December 20th. Five painted signs were found at several locations along Greenacres avenue.
The head of a parking meter at the corner of Chase Road and Woodland Place went missing on December 14. All that remained was the pole. The last time the meter was seen was 12-11.
Suspended Registration:
Police stopped the driver of a 2003 Ford Explorer at the corner of Heathcote and Kelwynne Roads at 5:30 on 12/22 when their scanner indicated that the license plates were suspended. The car was driven by Maribel Mendoza, age 25 of New Rochelle. Police issued her a summons, removed the plates from the car and called Vincent's Town service to tow it to New Rochelle.
Identity Theft:
On December 15 a Brewster Road woman reported that someone had used her personal information and her son's address to attempt to open credit cards from Dillards and Amazon.
Propane Leak:
On December 15 a construction found a leaking propane tank at a home under construction on Saxon Woods Road. The Scarsdale Fire Department, Con Edison, Yonkers Haz Mat and the County Police all responded and closed the road. Six neighboring homes were evacuated. The Fire Department determined that someone had tampered with the valve of the tank while attempting to steal the tank. It appeared that the suspect fled when the tank began to leak. The tank was removed from the scene.
Accidents:
A 72 year-old Mamaroneck Road man was struck by a car driven by a Bonnie Meadow Road woman on Wednesday December 16. The car was making a turn onto Palmer Avenue from Mamaroneck Road when it hit the man in the crosswalk.
Injured:
A 78 year-old Garth Road woman fell at the corner of East Parkway and Popham Road at around 5 pm on 12/19. She had a cut above her lip but refused medical attention.
This police report is sponsored by Scarsdale Security who does more than just security. Contact them about remote video for your home or business. Call 914-722-2200 or visit their website.
Holiday Delivery Stolen from Front Porch, Pit bull Attack and Pedestrian Hit on Popham Road
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- Written by Traci Dutton Ludwig
- Hits: 5811
While holiday spirits are high, residents must be cautious not to leave valuable unattended – because thieves are on the prowl. This week, two crimes of opportunity occurred.
First, a package containing an $80 rocking horse was delivered to a South Church Lane house, and, shortly thereafter, it was stolen Dec. 7. The homeowner saw the package on the front porch around 5 p.m. when she entered her house through the garage. When she went outside to bring the package inside around 6 p.m., it was no longer there. The homeowner reported the incident to police Dec. 8.
On Dec. 8, a Post Road woman reported her 2015 Audi Q7's window had been smashed, and her Dell laptop computer was stolen from the front seat. This occurred while she was attending a meeting at Wayside Cottage between 7:45 p.m. and 11 p.m. During this time, the laptop was unattended and in plain view in the car.
Unauthorized charges
On Dec. 9, a Fenimore Road woman reported a window contractor charged her credit card for work that was not performed. She told police she hired the man to install cabinets and window blinds in February 2015. She paid for that work in full with her HSBC credit card. Recently, she realized the contractor charged two additional payments to her card -- $1,400 in April and $2,700 in August. She did not authorize either of these debits; nor had the contractor performed additional work. The woman contacted the contractor, who said the charges had been made in error. He promised to return the money to the woman within one week's time. Since then, the week has passed, and the woman has not seen the return of any money. All attempts to communicate with the contractor have gone unanswered. HSBC was able to return the $2,700 to the woman's account, but the bank said it was unable to return the $1,400 because the problem was more than six month old, and it had not been reported. Patrol attempted to contact the contractor, but the attempt was not successful.
Harassment
A Brown Road woman felt harassed by unwanted text messages and emails from her husband, with whom she was undergoing divorce proceedings Dec. 8. Police read the texts and emails and did not find them threatening in nature. They advised the woman about the process to seek an order of protection if she continued to feel harassed by unwanted communication.
Argument
On Dec. 10, police were called to break up a loud argument between two men on Scarsdale Avenue at 8:30 p.m., Dec. 10. The men were yelling at each other, and patrol told them to separate. One man said he was a limo driver waiting for a fare. The other man said he was walking home and noticed the limo was parked too close to a fire hydrant. This precipitated the argument. Patrol managed to calm the situation, and both men agreed they could have handled their dispute in a better way.
Craig's List scam
A Park Road woman placed an ad in Craig's List to sell a chair Dec. 13. A man named "Frank" contacted her, requesting to buy the chair. He mailed her a check, in the name of Max Knowles, in an amount that exceeded the amount for the chair. He asked her to cash the check and refund him the difference. She suspected a scam, did not cash the check and did not send him any money.
Assistance
A homeless woman told police she saw two men acting suspicious near the train station Dec. 8. The woman asked police to meet her at 7-Eleven to get more information. Patrol talked to the woman. They did not see any suspicious individuals near the station or in the vicinity. Police asked the woman if she needed any assistance or if she wanted help finding a shelter for the night. She declined, and said she was meeting a person in Greenburgh who had her luggage.
On Dec. 8, police checked the welfare of a Parkfield Road woman after her children were worried because they could not get in contact with her. Patrol went to the door of the woman's house, but there was no answer, and the house appeared dark. Later, the woman's daughter called headquarters to say her mother was fine. She had been home watching TV and did not hear the doorbell.
Open door
On Dec. 8, a Walworth Avenue resident reported a neighbor's door had been open for several days. Police knocked on the door and went inside the house to investigate. There, they found personal belongings, mattresses, merchandise and sealed cardboard boxes stacked in the entranceway. They searched the house and found no one home. They did not notice any signs of criminality. Patrol secured the house before leaving.
Doorbell
A Gorham Road man called police after someone rang his doorbell at 4:45 a.m., Dec. 9. The man did not go to the door to investigate. Police canvassed the area but did not find anyone who could have been responsible for ringing the doorbell.
Phone call
A Rectory Lane woman received four calls from a private number Dec. 9. She ignored the first three calls but answered the fourth call. A man on the line identified himself as "Donald" from Con Edison. He said he was returning a call from the woman's husband and provided a callback number with a New York City area code. After hanging up the phone, the woman called the number and a Spanish speaking man answered. Police searched the number, and it came back listed as a New York City deli. The woman's husband confirmed he had not called Con Edison.
Pedestrian struck
On Dec. 10, a 64-year-old Pound Ridge woman was crossing Popham Road in the crosswalk when she was struck by a 2014 Audi driven by a 57-year-old Bradley Road man. The Audi was making a left turn onto Popham Road from Overhill Road at 5:20 p.m. The driver said the light was a steady green while he was making the turn, and he did not see the pedestrian in the crosswalk. The woman was treated on the scene by police, firefighters and members of Scarsdale Volunteer Ambulance Corps. She was taken to the hospital for further evaluation and care.
Cars and roadways
Two motorists were arguing over who should move his or her car first in order that both cars could pass a crowded area on Brite Avenue Dec. 7. Police intervened, and the matter was settled.
The side mirror of a Walworth Avenue man's car was cracked while the car was parked outside his house Dec. 7. Police deduced the car had probably been sideswiped.
A Hillview Drive resident complained about a "suspicious" car parked on his street Dec. 8. Patrol learned the car was registered to another Hillview Drive resident.
Police called a tow for the driver of a gray Oldsmobile that became disabled at Olmsted Road and Hickory Lane Dec. 9. The car was towed to a mechanic's lot.
A Roosevelt Road woman reported a large pile of leaves in front of her house Dec. 10. Police contacted the highway department for removal.
A parked BMW was left running on Woodland Place Dec. 13. Patrol contacted the owner who was unaware he had left the car running. The owner returned to the car and shut off the ignition.
Eight car accidents were reported in the village this week.
Dogs
A dog wearing a red sweater was found in a Mamaroneck Road yard Dec. 7. Police identified the dog's Brookline Road owner and returned the dog to her.
Patrol found a loose dog and returned it to its owner's Berkeley Road house, where a babysitter was home. A summons was issued to the owner.
A Grand Park Avenue pit bull attacked a Broadmoor Road dog on Griffen Avenue while the Broadmoor Road dog was out for a walk with its owner Dec. 9. The Pit bull's teeth left three puncture wounds in the Broadmoor Road dog's head. Sanitation workers in the area hosed down the Pit bull to assist in breaking up the attack. The Broadmoor Road dog was taken to a vet and received stitches. The incident is also being reported to Town of Mamaroneck police because the pitbull lives there.
Lost and found
A Mamaroneck Road man reported losing his Indian passport, Indian tax ID card and United States Green Card somewhere in the village Dec. 9.
A woman found a blue wallet near the intersection of Garth and Popham roads Dec. 10. She gave the wallet to police, who contacted the owner. The owner said he would retrieve the wallet from headquarters Dec. 11.
On Dec. 13, firefighters found a credit card wallet on the ground at Christie Place and gave it to police. It contained a metro card and other items. Police vouchered it at headquarters for safekeeping.
Firefighters
A neighbor heard a fire alarm, smelled smoke from a neighbor's house and called the fire department Dec. 7. Firefighters saw and smelled smoke, so they entered the house. There, a pot left on the stove was smoking. Firefighters removed the pot and turned off the stove. During the process of entering the house, a screen was damaged. Firefighters informed the homeowner.
On Dec. 7, firefighters were called to a Post Road house on a reported gas explosion and gas odor. There, firefighters found no one home. Con Edison arrived to check for gas. Con Edison found a minor problem with the resident's stove, shut gas to it and red tagged it.
On Dec. 7, an automatic alarm summoned firefighters to a Tunstall Road house, where they found a smoking oven. They turned the oven off and informed the homeowners who were currently away from the house.
Firefighters assisted a Greenacres Avenue resident with a leaking pressure relief valve on a furnace Dec. 10.
Firefighters assisted an Elm Road resident with a burned out fluorescent bulb Dec. 10.
On Dec. 11, firefighters helped a Dobbs Terrace change a smoke detector battery.
On Dec. 11, firefighters checked ID and helped a Potter Road resident get inside her house after she accidentally locked herself out.
Firefighters stood by for Con Edison at the sites of possible gas leaks at Con Edison excavation sites on Valley and Richbell roads Dec. 12. The incidents occurred hours after each other.
This week, firefighters assisted at two car accidents in the village. They responded to nine false fire alarms caused by device malfunction, cooking smoke, construction dust, steam and a hair dryer.
This report covering police and fire department activity from Dec. 9-15 has been compiled from official information.
This police report is sponsored by Scarsdale Security who does more than just security. Contact them about remote video for your home or business. Call 914-722-2200 or visit their website.
NYC Man Arrested for DWI after BRP Accident. Burglars Strike Two Houses with Unactivated Alarms
- Details
- Written by Traci Dutton Ludwig
- Hits: 11327
DWI: Following an accident in which a driver lost control of his 2013 BMW at the Bronx River Parkway and Crane Road on Friday Nov. 27 at 11 pm, police arrested Brian M. Cohen, 26, of New York City, on charges of driving while intoxicated (first offense), reckless driving, a speeding violation and failure to obey an officer. The incident began when a patrol officer observed Cohen's BMW speed by him on Post Road at approximately 50 mph. Patrol followed the car as it turned right onto Fenimore Road. Cohen did not stop when patrol activated lights and sirens in an attempt to get the car to pull over. Instead, Cohen allegedly passed two vehicles by crossing the yellow line, in an apparent attempt to evade police. Cohen's then drove onto the Bronx River Parkway, where police lost sight of the car and determined the situation to be unsafe and hazardous and deactivated the patrol car's emergency lights. As police continued on the Bronx River Parkway toward the Crane Road exit, they again saw Cohen's BMW. It was stopped on the northbound side of the parkway, facing southward, the result of an apparent accident. Patrol approached the driver and asked what happened. Cohen stated, "I made mistakes." Cohen and a female passenger stated they were not injured. However, Scarsdale Volunteer Ambulance Corps responded and took Cohen and the passenger to White Plains Hospital Center for medical attention. While speaking with Cohen, patrol detected the odor of alcohol on his breath. He admitted to having one drink in White Plains and said he was on his way home to Manhattan. Field sobriety tests were administered, and Cohen was not able to complete them successfully. An alco-sensor prescreening test indicated the presence of alcohol on Cohen's breath, and he was arrested for driving while intoxicated, reckless driving, speeding, driving to the left of the pavement marks and failure to obey an office. At headquarters, Cohen refused to submit to a breath test. Cohen's mother was called, and she posted $250 cash bail. Cohen was released with an appearance ticket for Scarsdale Village Justice Court on Dec. 2. Car keys were turned over to Cohen's mother.
Burglaries:
A Boulder Brook Road house was burglarized Nov. 28 while the family was in New York City at an event from 1:30 p.m. until approximately 8:30 p.m. Doors and windows were locked, but the alarm system was not activated. A rear window of a patio door was shattered, and the master bedroom was tossed. Several jewelry boxes were left open and empty in the room. The master bedroom closet was also tossed. Police noted in the report that the family's son posted a message on Instagram at 4 p.m. indicating the family was in the city for a Christmas event. Police are reviewing a neighbor's video surveillance as detectives investigate the burglary.
On Nov. 29, a Ridgecrest West homeowner reported his house had been burglarized while his family was on vacation from Nov. 21-29 or possibly while the family was eating dinner after returning home from vacation Nov. 29. The house has an alarm system, but it was not activated at the time. The homeowner said no one checked the house after coming home, but instead ate dinner first. While eating at 7:15, the homeowner and his wife heard a loud thud from upstairs. The homeowner went upstairs and found the master bedroom door locked from the inside. A rear bathroom window was found to be open, and the latch was broken. The homeowner pushed a pin into the bedroom door lock and opened it. The room was found in disarray, with the rear bedroom window open, a window screen thrown on the bed, and multiple belongings stolen. Master bedroom closet drawers were open and ransacked. Police canvassed the area for possible suspects. Footprints were discovered near the suspect's entry and exit points – near the rear bathroom window and rear master bedroom window.
Car break-in
A Brewster Road family's unlocked 2012 Audi was entered, and spare change was stolen overnight Nov. 22. Contents of the car were strewn about the floor and across the front seat of the car. Stolen change was estimated at approximately two dollars.
Identity theft:
A village payroll clerk reported two fraudulent checks were presented against the account Nov. 24. The checks did not match the village's payroll check numbers or check style. Bother checks were issued to a Bronx resident. One was in the amount of $1,154.07. The other was written for $842.08. The person named on the check was never an employee of the village.
On Nov. 29, a Franklin Road woman reported someone fraudulently infiltrated custodial savings accounts for her children at Chase Bank and stole $3,680. Chase Bank is looking into the incident.
Criminal mischief:
On Nov. 28, a Brambach Road resident reported a fig tree planted on his property had been destroyed. The man said it appeared that a person used a knife or sharp object to shave bark from all sides of the tree, ultimately destroying it. The resident said he last saw the tree in perfect condition earlier that day. The resident suggested an ongoing dispute with a neighbor might be connected to the damage of the tree. Patrol offered to conduct extra ridebys of the house and suggested investing in a surveillance camera if the resident is concerned about future similar incidents. On Nov. 29, the Brambach Road resident stated he noticed soil on his front porch and another fig tree intentionally cut.
On Nov. 29, a Dunham Road man reported the roof of his brother's car was damaged overnight while parked on the street. The man said he wanted to speak with his brother before filing an official police report.
Suspicious:
A man reported to be looking into high school windows with a flashlight was a custodian working the night shift around 9 p.m., Nov. 23.
Paint ball?
A woman reported her car had been struck by a paint ball at Mamaroneck and Murray Hill roads Nov. 24. Patrol examined the car and the area and determined an egg had fallen from a nest onto the car.
Shoes:
A man who was not wearing any shoes while on the train station platform said he was not in need of assistance. He said he was a student at Sarah Lawrence College, waiting to take a train to Bronxville. He said it was his choice to not wear any shoes.
Lost:
A youth was knocking at a Butler Road door and screaming at 2: 15 a.m., Nov. 26. The homeowner called police, and patrol spoke with the boy who said he lost his way. Police called the boy's mother, who came to the scene and picked him up.
Assistance:
A mother asked police to help manage her 14-year-old son's behavior Nov. 24. The mother and son were at services at St. Pius church, and the son was refusing to get into the mother's car to go home. The son was angry because the mother took away his cell phone. Police helped mediate the dispute.
Traffic arrest:
On Nov. 27, police stopped Michelle M. Colonia, 24, of White Plains, for operating a handheld mobile device while simultaneously operating a black sedan on East Parkway. During the traffic stop, patrol realized Colonia's driving privileges were currently suspended "pending prosecution by court, blood alcohol count," as per an order dated Jan. 12, 2012. There was also an outstanding arrest warrant issued by the Village of Mamaroneck. Mamaroneck police were advised and said they would pick up Colonia for arrest processing in their jurisdiction, following her arrest by Scarsdale police. Colonia was charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and operation of a motor vehicle while using a portable electronic device. She was released on $60 cash bail, with an appearance ticket for Scarsdale Village Justice Court on Dec. 9, and turned over to Mamaroneck police.
Cars and roadways:
The driver of a Lexus stopped on Heathcote Road to make a phone call Nov. 24. A caller complained, and police advised the driver to pull off the roadway or drive to a parking lot to make her call.
Seven car accidents were reported in the village this week.
Animals:
A Cooper Road resident put a wounded owl in a cardboard box Nov. 26. Patrol called a wildlife service, where a representative made arrangements to pick up the owl the following day.
Village code:
Police left on a note on a Garth Road apartment regarding the resident's bicycles, which were locked to a village light pole Nov. 24. The note requested the resident move the bikes within the next few days. Otherwise, police would impound them.
Police dispersed a small gathering of noisy kids from Dunham Road around 2 a.m., Nov. 28.
Police advised landscapers on Tompkins Road that they were not permitted to use gas-powered leaf blowers before 10 a.m. on Saturdays, Nov. 28. The person who reported the blowers thought police should have given the landscapers a summons, rather than a warning. The person told police she thought more summonses should be issued.
Neighbors complained about a loud party on Brewster Road Nov. 28. Police advised the homeowner that guests should leave in a quiet and orderly fashion.
A sign advertising gym services was posted at the intersection of Weaver Street and Hutchinson Avenue Nov. 28. Patrol removed the sign and issued the gym a summons.
Lost and found:
A caller reported his wife possibly lost two rings at Sophia's Salon in the Golden Horseshoe Shopping Center Nov. 21. One ring was an Italian lace gold band with sapphires valued at $5,500. The other was a $4,000 gold band with diamonds. The wife realized she lost the rings the day after she got her nails done at the salon. She reported it to police Nov. 23. She said she remembered taking the rings off and placing them on a ring holder at the salon. The salon manager spoke with employees and advised that none of them reported seeing the missing rings.
On Nov. 24, a Lyons Road man reported losing his car's license plates somewhere in the village.
A passerby found an expensive wristwatch on the ground after parking his car at Harwood Court and Chase Road Nov. 25. It was turned over to police for safekeeping. Police checked with local jewelry stores to see if anyone had recently had a similar watch serviced. Employees at Wilson and Son Jewelers entered the watch as lost in the event that the owner should contact the manufacturer to report the watch as missing.
Fire:
An inside odor of gas in a Fox Meadow Road house was caused by a faulty dryer pipe Nov. 23. Firefighters disconnected the dryer and advised the homeowner to have it repaired.
An arcing electrical wire was starting to burn the utility pole and a nearby tree Nov. 24. Firefighters called Con Edison and closed the street while repairs were ongoing.
The highway department was called about a sewer backing up through a manhole on Lorraine Place Nov. 24.
A Sage Terrace resident called firefighters about a "gas stove problem" Nov. 25. Firefighters did not find any gas leaks or problems and advised the resident to have the appliance serviced.
Firefighters extinguished a car fire, with the engine compartment fully involved, on the Hutchinson River Parkway, north of Wilmot Avenue, Nov. 25. They searched the car for possible victims and stood by for a tow.
Firefighters extinguished another car fire, with the engine compartment fully involved, on the Bronx River Parkway Nov. 25. They searched the car for possible victims and stood by for a tow.
Con Edison was called about a gas odor on Valley Road Nov. 26.
Firefighters detected elevated levels of carbon monoxide in a Greenacres Avenue house and stood by for Con Edison Nov. 26.
A gas burner would not turn off on a Spruce Lane stove Nov. 26. Firefighters shut gas to the stove and stood by for Con Edison. The resident was advised to have the stove serviced.
An oven fire caused smoke inside a Heathcote Road house Nov. 26. The fire was out when firefighters arrived. They checked the house to confirm everything was safe. The resident was advised to refrain from using the oven until it was serviced.
Con Edison was called about a noisy gas regulator and a gas odor inside a Sprague Road house Nov. 26.
This week, firefighters assisted at one car accident in the village. They responded to two false carbon monoxide alarms and 21 false fire alarms, caused by device malfunction, cooking smoke, smoke detector cleaning, water leaking into a smoke detector, floor staining chemicals, shower steam and burnt food.
This police report is sponsored by Scarsdale Security who does more than just security. Contact them about remote video for your home or business. Call 914-722-2200 or visit their website.
Burglars on Cushman Road damage house, break alarm system, steal watches and jewels
- Details
- Written by Traci Dutton Ludwig
- Hits: 9826
Police responded to a burglar alarm at a Cushman Road house at 7:15 p.m., Dec. 5. Police discovered a rear door pried open, with extensive damage to the door. Police set up a perimeter while patrol units checked the house. White Plains police assisted and brought a tracking dog, but the dog was unable to detect a scent. The master bedroom, on the first floor, and second-floor bedrooms were ransacked. The alarm panel and alarm siren had been ripped from the walls. In addition, police found two damaged "magician boxes" and several open and empty Rolex boxes on the floor. Detectives took DNA swabs and parts of the damaged alarm system to aid in their investigation. Detectives are following up.
Stolen packages
On Dec. 2, a Drake Road resident reported someone stole three packages from his front porch shortly after the packages had been delivered. Two packages, containing $150 in cosmetics, were from Neiman Marcus. One package contained a $180 North Face jacket from Bloomingdale's.
Stolen wallet
On Dec. 5, a Walworth Avenue man reported his wallet was stolen in New York City the previous night. It contained his driver's license, credit cards, a monthly train pass and $17 cash. Police advised the man he should file a report in New York City, in the jurisdiction where the robbery occurred.
Identity theft
On Nov. 30, a Brookby Road woman reported someone fraudulently charged over $9,000 on her Bloomingdale's account at the store in Bergen County, New Jersey. The charges occurred earlier in the month. The woman informed Bloomingdales and cancelled the account.
On Dec. 1, a Parkfield Road resident reported receiving two credit cards in the mail for which she never applied. One was a TJ Maxx MasterCard, and the other was a Modells Visa card. The cards were mailed to the resident's business address in New Rochelle. The resident reported the cards as fraudulent and cancelled them.
On Dec. 1, a Christie Place resident reported $70,000 was withdrawn from his retirement account and fraudulently deposited into a Well Fargo bank account. He reported it to the manger of his retirement account, and the company's fraud department is looking into the matter.
On Dec. 5, a Circle Lane couple reported someone requested a second credit card on their Chase credit card account, without their permission or authorization. The card had been sent to a person in Brooklyn. The bank cancelled the card when they called the couple on Nov. 30 to verify the request. A few days later, the couple received a similar call from Citibank. The second Citibank card was also sent to a person in Brooklyn, and the bank cancelled the card after speaking with the couple. On Dec. 5, the couple received a call from Chase bank, inquiring about the validity of a $2,000 payment through Quickpay. The couple told Chase to cancel the payment. The suspect was able to infiltrate the couple's accounts by using a call forwarding feature on the couple's home phone number and by changing the email address on the account.
Check fraud
An Ogden Road man was contacted by Citibank on Nov. 18 because a person cashed two forged checks at an undisclosed location, and a third check was presented for payment but denied. The checks looked like the man's checks, but the signatures on the checks did not appear authentic. The man was still in possession of the original check numbers for which the fake checks were presented. The incident was reported to Scarsdale police Dec. 4. The man's bank had since closed his account and issued him new checks.
On Dec. 5, a Heathcote Road man reported someone forged nine HSBC checks in his name and was able to cash six of those checks. The checks were written to people the man does not know. The man stated his wife was a victim of a similar crime approximately one month ago.
Criminal mischief
On Nov. 30, an employee at Scarsdale Friends Nursery School reported playground equipment had been vandalized, possibly by skateboarders. Deep scratches were found on the benches, tables, a sliding board and other playground equipment. The approximate damage to the equipment was estimated at approximately $1,600.
On Dec. 5, a "do not enter" sign was found lying on the Scarsdale track. While removing the sign, police noticed more damage to the track area. Four trashcans were flipped over, with trash and debris scatted on the ground near the cans. A park bench was ripped from the ground where it had been secured with brackets and bolts. Later, police discovered the original "don not enter" sign had been removed from a small bus circle near the gymnasium entrance.
A Coralyn Road woman reported a friend's car was keyed while the car was parked in her driveway Nov. 30. Police advised the woman to ask her friend to file a report when the friend and her car were in Scarsdale again, so police could examine and document the damage.
Altercation
On Dec. 2, the assistant manager of Fenway Golf Club wanted to report an altercation with one of his employees during a conversation about an upcoming party. Patrol attempted to speak with the employee, but the employee was not on the scene. Patrol advised the assistant manager to stay away from the employee.
Suspicious
While on burglary patrol, police notices a man riding a bicycle on Post Road at 9:30 p.m., Dec. 2. First the man was riding south on the sidewalk; then he crossed Post Road, made a U-turn and continued riding north. Later patrol saw the same bicycle unattended in front of a Post Road house. While observing the bicycle, the man returned to it, got on and started riding north. Police stopped the man and questioned him. He said he had left his house to take care of some business. Then, he said he was visiting a friend but could not remember the friend's address. Patrol asked him if the friend lived nearby, in Scarsdale. The man said his friend lived in White Plains. The man said he stopped the bike in front of the Post Road house to check a safe lying by the side of the road. The man said the safe was not in good condition, so he left it there. Patrol issued the man a summons for riding his bicycle against traffic. Patrol went to the Post Road house and saw a safe at the curb, as the man had stated. A person inside the house said she had discarded the safe because she got a new one.
A passerby was concerned about a small case left outside Dunkin Donuts on Depot Place Dec. 3. It was a cosmetic bag containing trash. Police discarded it.
A Boulevard resident reported someone was ringing his doorbell but left before the resident could answer the door at 7:30 p.m., Dec. 4.
Damaged bluestone
A bluestone cap on a retaining wall lining a Brook Lane driveway was discovered damaged Dec. 5. The homeowner thinks the stone might have been damaged by a car turning around in his driveway. Cost of damage was estimated at $500. The homeowner reported it for insurance purposes.
Help
Police helped an Alzheimer's patient get home after she was found, disoriented, at Popham Road and School Lane Dec. 3.
On Dec. 4, police helped mediate a situation involving a resident of a group home on Post Road. The resident was frustrated because she might be moved to a different room and thus lose her roommate. She said she did not know how to control her emotions, so she was yelling and throwing things. She told police she would get herself under control and stop causing a disturbance.
Insurance lapse
While conducting traffic enforcement, police encountered a car with a suspended registration on Post Road Dec. 6. The registration had been suspended for an insurance lapse on Oct. 11, 2015. A further check of the driver's license revealed his driving privileges had been suspended seven times on five different dates. Police arrested the driver – Michael McNair, 27, of Spring Valley, on charges of operating a motor vehicle with a suspended registration and second-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, with three or more suspensions on three or more dates. McNair was released on $100 cash bail with an appearance ticket for Scarsdale Village Justice Court. His car was impounded, pending the resolution of the outstanding suspensions.
Cars and roadways
A Woods Lane mother accidentally locked her son and her car keys inside her car Nov. 30. The owner of Heathcote Gulf arrived to open the car door. The child was unharmed.
On Dec. 1, a driver pulled to the side of Hutchinson Avenue to avoid a stopped car on the road, and the driver's car got caught on some loose boulders. Heathcote Gulf responded to pull the car loose from the boulders.
A car stopped n Springdale Road around 9 p.m., Dec. 2, belonged to a village resident who pulled over to smoke a cigarette and program a destination in his GPS.
After a driver complained about a small dip in the roadway at Drake and Ferncliff roads, police put a traffic cone in place and alerted the highway department Dec. 2.
Three off-road motorcycles were being driven on George Field Park after dark Dec. 2. Police attempted to conduct a traffic stop, but the motorcycle sped off. Without lights, the motorcycles evaded patrol in the dark.
On Dec. 3, police placed a traffic cone in a large pothole on Drake Road. Police informed the highway department.
Nine car accidents were reported in the village this week.
Neighbors
On Dec. 2, a Sheldrake Road woman reported her neighbor called her a "psycho" while she was walking her dog on the street. The woman said there has been ongoing trouble with her neighbor, most recently manifested in a dispute over leaves. Patrol attempted to mediate the situation by speaking with the neighbor, but there was no answer at his door.
On Dec. 3, a Marjory Lane woman reported her neighbor's landscaper was jumping over her fence and possibly damaging her property while doing work in her neighbor's yard. The neighbor said the landscaper entered the woman's yard to remove leaves that possibly blew over during cleanup. Patrol advised the landscapers to stay on their client's property only.
Animals
A Brite Avenue woman told police she saw a wild animal that scared her when she walked by on the street Dec. 6. Patrol investigated to assess the safety of the area and found a dead raccoon by the side of the road. Patrol informed the highway department for disposal.
Lost and found
A passerby found a gold necklace on the ground on East Parkway Nov. 30. He gave it to police, who vouchered it for safekeeping.
A Carstensen Road woman reported losing her gold and diamond wedding ring Dec. 1. It was valued at $5,000.
On Dec. 3, an employee of Lange's Deli found a purse inside the deli and gave it to police. Police contacted the owner, using driver's license information and returned the purse to her. She said she would pick up the purse Dec. 4.
A person found a brown purse containing over $600 cash on Scarsdale Avenue Dec. 4. Police returned the purse to its owner, a woman who works on Scarsdale Avenue.
A White Plains woman found two credit cards and an Equinox membership card on the ground at the intersection of East Parkway and Popham Road after midnight Dec. 6. Police vouchered the cards for safekeeping and elected to contact the possible owner of the property in the morning.
A Ridgecrest West resident reported losing a license plate from his car Dec. 6.
A man lost his wallet while shopping on Palmer Avenue Dec. 6. It contained $80 cash, credit cards, a driver's license and 2,000 Mexican pesos.
Village code
Police dispersed four kids from Taunton Road after dark Dec. 5. The kids said they were finishing up a photography project and agreed to go home.
Fire
A gas odor at a Secor Road house was coming from an outdoor barbecue grill left in the "on" position Nov. 30.
Firefighters assisted Hartsdale firefighters with a house fire in Hartsdale Nov. 30.
Firefighters stood by for Con Edison at the site of a natural gas odor on Bradford Road Dec. 1.
A smoke odor was caused by an overheated light ballast in a Wynmor Road house Dec. 1.
Firefighters stood by for Con Edison at the site of a gas leak in a Wildwood Road house Dec. 1.
Steam in the high school's administrative offices, near the elevators, was mistaken for smoke Dec. 2.
A burning odor in a Garden Road house was caused by an overheated motor in the house's central vacuum system Dec. 3.
Firefighters were unable to determine the cause of a rotten egg smell in a Continental Road house Dec. 3. Firefighters confirmed there was not a gas leak or an overheating battery in the house, both of which can release a scent of rotting eggs.
A reported natural gas odor on Circle Road was unfounded Dec. 4.
Firefighters stood by for Con Edison at the site of a natural gas odor on Johnson Road Dec. 4.
A Greenacres Avenue resident lit a fire in the fireplace with a partially opened flue Dec. 5. The partially opened flue caused smoke to collect inside the house. Firefighters extinguished the burning logs and removed them from the house. Firefighters opened the flue completely and advised the resident to have the fireplace checked by a professional before using it again.
This week, firefighters assisted with two car accidents on a parkway and at Saxon Woods Pool complex. They responded to one false carbon monoxide alarm and 28 false fire alarms caused by device malfunction, cooking smoke, burnt popcorn, steam, construction dust, alarm keypad removal, fireplace smoke and a detector that accidentally got knocked off its base.
This report covering police and fire department activity from Nov. 30 - Dec. 6 was compiled from official information.
This police report is sponsored by Scarsdale Security who does more than just security. Contact them about remote video for your home or business. Call 914-722-2200 or visit their website.
Burglars Strike Southwoods Lane House
- Details
- Written by Traci Dutton Ludwig
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On Nov. 16, a Southwoods Lane homeowner reported someone stole approximately $50,000 in jewelry from her house while she was on vacation from Nov. 9 through Nov. 14. Upon returning from the trip, the homeowner found emptied boxes of jewelry removed from her closet dresser and strewn about. She told police she did not believe any other items were stolen from the house.
Car break-in
A $3,000 designer handbag containing $400 sunglasses and a $550 iPad mini was stolen from a car parked outside an Eton Road garage overnight Nov. 17. The owner said she locked her car when parking it, but her son later got something out of the car and must have left it unlocked. The purse was on top of the center console in the front seat.
Stolen laptop
An 18-year-old Scarsdale High School student placed his Macbook Pro laptop computer in an empty locker in the boys' locker room at approximately 2:12 p.m., Nov. 17. When he returned from the weight room at approximately 2:56 p.m., his bag was still in the locker, but the laptop had been stolen. The value of the laptop was $1,800.
BB shot
A Brite Avenue homeowner told police someone shot a BB through a second floor window of his house. He noticed the damage on Nov. 17 and estimated it would cost about $350 to replace the window.
Check fraud
A Christie Place business owner reported someone forged four checks from her HSBC bank account and deposited them into a Brooklyn man's account. The checks totaled approximately $1,245.75. The signature used to sign the checks did not match the business owner's signature. The checks were dated Nov. 16, and the business owner discovered them while checking her online banking information Nov. 17. HSBC returned the money to the account.
Identity theft
On Nov. 19, a Bradford Road woman reported someone had fraudulently opened a Paypal account in her name, and a company, named JAGEX, charged 67 separate charges to the account on Aug. 31. Seven charges were for $59.99, and 60 charges were for $29.99. The woman immediately informed Paypal the account was fraudulent, and Paypal closed the account. Paypal asked the woman to file a police report about the incident.
A 45-year-old Dickel Road woman reported someone opened a fraudulent Facebook account, using her deceased father's photograph and name.
Phone scam
On Nov. 17, a Sprague Road man reported he had been scammed out of $2,500 by a "Treasury Department scam." While scams involving callers alleging to be government or Internal Revenue Service officials have become common, "this one had a slightly different twist" according to SPD Captain Thomas Altizio. In this instance, the scammer told the victim that the U.S. Department of Treasury had awarded him a "loyalty bonus." In order to collect it, the Sprague Road man was told he needed to send money for a registration fee to a person in Florida via Money Gram, which he did. The victim was then contacted again and told he needed to send money for "payment protection insurance" to another individual in Florida, which he did. The victim was then contacted a third time and sent send additional funds to a person in California to cover taxes. After the victim was contacted a fourth time and asked to send additional funds, he refused, realizing it was a scam. "We have repeatedly tried to warn residents that no branch of the Federal, State or Local government will ever ask a person to send money via Western Union, Money Gram or Green Dot Money cards," Altizio said.
Piano scam
A Crossway resident listed a piano on an online piano sales site and was contacted by a North Carolina man who stated that he wanted to buy the piano and offered the woman $3,500 more than the listing price "for her trouble." The woman received the man's check, but did not feel the transaction was right. She contacted the online sales site and learned the man, who uses the alias of "Wayne Bouffard," is a known scammer. The woman incurred no financial loss. She asked police to document the incident Nov. 18.
Followed
On Nov. 18, a woman reported her ex-boyfriend waits for her at a gas station on Scarsdale Avenue and follows alongside of her on her way to work in the mornings. The woman said she does not want any contact with him. Patrol told the woman about how to obtain an order of protection and how to contact police if she feels unsafe.
Voicemail
A Continental Road resident reported receiving an unusual voicemail message Nov. 19. The voicemail was from a caller who was looking for person named "Armand Klein." Police deduced the voicemail stemmed from wrong number call. Police phoned the caller for confirmation. There were no signs of criminality related to the call or voicemail.
Tree limb
A Weaver Street woman attempted to drive her 2014 Honda Pilot over a fallen tree limb across Morris Lane at 9 p.m., Nov. 19. During her attempt, her car became lodged on top of the limb. Police called a towing company to lift the car while police and towing personnel removed the limb from the road. The tow truck operator advised the woman her car was operable but may experience "some noise" due to bent plates underneath the car. The woman said she would take her car to a mechanic at a later date.
Leaves
A Boulevard man reported a neighbor's leaves were on his yard Nov. 21. The leaves in question were actually on the neighbor's yard. Patrol assured the man the village would soon collect the leaves.
Assistance
A resident of a Saxon Woods Road nursing home called police three times this weeks, stating she could not find her husband, and he might be dead. Patrol spoke with nursing staff that confirmed the resident's husband had passed away in the past. The resident is an Alzheimer's patient, and staff was attending to her needs.
At parents' request, police checked the welfare of a 17-year-old Wynmor Road girl who was home alone after midnight Nov. 22.
A White Birch Lane woman asked police to check the welfare of her husband, who was home and had recently gotten hurt Nov. 22. The woman was in Boston at the time.
911
A nine-year-old Brite Avenue boy called 911 because he was unhappy about his parents taking away his computer Nov. 22. Patrol arrived at the boy's house, and the boy said he overreacted by calling 911. Police spoke with the boy on the proper use of 911.
Suspended registration
While on patrol, police noticed a gray Ford Mustang appeared to be driving in a circle, as the car made one right turn, one left turn and two right turns near Post and Mamaroneck roads around 1 a.m., Nov. 21. Patrol conducted a traffic stop to see if the driver – a 26-year-old White Plains man – needed assistance. A check of the vehicle's registration revealed it was suspended on Jan. 9, 2015, for an insurance lapse. The driver's license had also been suspended on two separate dates – for insurance not being in effect and failure to answer a summons on the Town of Mamaroneck. While talking with the driver, police noticed a strong odor of burning marijuana coming from the car. Ash appeared to be on the driver's lap, as well. Patrol asked the driver if he smoked cigarettes, and he said "no." He claimed he had allowed friends to smoke marijuana in the car earlier that evening. Patrol checked the car for illegal substances and did not find any. The car's plates were removed, and the car was towed to an auto repair facility of the driver's choosing in White Plains. The driver was issued appropriate summonses.
Cars and roadways
Police placed reflective traffic cones around a dumpster on Walworth Avenue to alert motorists Nov. 16. The contractor responsible for the dumpster had a valid permit for it.
Police removed a log from Bypass Nov. 18.
Police removed an empty box from Scarsdale Avenue and threw it away in a trashcan Nov. 18.
Police issued a summons to the driver of a parked car blocking the exit of DeCicco's Marketplace Nov. 18.
The highway department removed a deer carcass from a grassy area adjacent to Mamaroneck Road near the Hutchinson River Parkway Nov. 19. The deer appeared to have died from injuries related to a vehicle strike.
A homeless man was lying on grass near the side of Post Road at 12:45 p.m., Nov. 19. Patrol advised him it was unsafe to lie there due to the close proximity to traffic. Patrol offered to call for medical assistance, but the man declined. He said he would walk to a better location to get some rest. He left in the direction of White Plains.
Police closed a section of Secor Road due to flooding Nov. 19.
A snapped telephone wire on Sheldrake Road appeared to have been pulled down from a passing Fedex truck Nov. 21.
A driver called an auto service for a flat tire sustained at Kent and Ogden roads Nov. 21. In the meantime, patrol helped the driver move her car into a safe location.
Nine car accidents were reported in the village this week.
Dogs
An Aspen Road man reported two black and white dogs entered his yard and lunged at him Nov. 17. Investigation showed two dogs matching the man's description were pets of a Rock Creek Lane family. Patrol spoke with the family and learned the dogs might have unintentionally gotten out of the house as a result of construction work. Patrol advised the family to be more diligent in keeping their dogs inside the house.
Police picked up a loose white dog from Popham Road and reunited it with its Taunton Road owner Nov. 22. The owner was issued a village code summons.
Lost and found
On Nov. 16, police found a Chase bank Visa debit card on the ground at Spencer Place and East Parkway. Patrol was unable to locate contact information for the person whose name was listed on the card. Patrol vouchered the card at headquarters.
A mother reported her son lost his cell phone at Scarsdale High School Nov. 16.
Car keys were found on Chase Road Nov. 19. Patrol returned them to their owner.
Firefighters
Four cans of mineral oil fell from a tree care truck passing through the village Nov. 16. Firefighters cleaned up spilled oil from two locations on Olmsted Road and from the intersection of Post and Ross roads.
A dead bug on a halogen light fixture was causing a burning odor inside a Springdale Road house Nov. 16.
Firefighters turned off the lamp and advised the homeowner to remove the bug after the lamp cooled.
Firefighters were called to a Boulevard house because of a reported explosion Nov. 16. Investigation showed a sealed tuna fish can inside a heated oven had exploded, causing an alarming sound. The resident said he was not aware he had turned on the oven.
Firefighters stood by for Con Edison at the site of a natural gas odor at Burgess and Richbell roads Nov. 18.
At Post and Burgess roads, firefighters isolated fallen electrical wires brought down by a fallen tree branch while standing by for Con Edison Nov. 20.
A village-owned leaf machine caught fire on Montgomery Road because of leaves coming in contact with the machine's exhaust manifold Nov. 11. Fire spread to some leaves on top of the machine's motor enclosure. Highway workers on the scene discharged a small dry powder extinguisher. The fire was out before firefighters arrived. Damaged was confined to some blistered paint on the machine's air cleaner system. Firefighters disconnected the machine's battery.
Con Edison was called about a leaking gas valve at Pinecrest and Brookline roads Nov. 20.
A gas odor on Valley Road was possibly caused by spilled gasoline Nov. 21.
Firefighters called Con Edison about elevated carbon monoxide readings in a Kensington Road basement Nov. 22. Con Edison turned off a gas burner unit.
Linens caught fire in an industrial clothes dryer at Quaker Ridge Golf Club Nov. 22. Club staff used a garden hose to extinguish the fire, and they removed the burned linens and discarded them outdoors. The inside of the dryer drum got scorched. Firefighters checked for fire extension and confirmed the safety and integrity of the building and interior structures. Firefighters disconnected the gas and electricity to the dryer and advised management to have the dryer serviced before using it again.
This week, firefighters assisted at six car accidents in the village. They responded to three false carbon monoxide alarm and 14 false alarms caused by device malfunction, sprinkler service, concrete dust, cooking smoke, power interruption, burnt toast and shower steam.
This report covering police and fire department activity from Nov. 16-22 was compiled from official information.
This police report is sponsored by Scarsdale Security who does more than just security. Contact them about remote video for your home or business. Call 914-722-2200 or visit their website.
