Crime in suburbia

From The Landmark (subscription required):

[Editor's note: There were 25 suspicious items this week.]

Holden

Monday, October 25

7:02 a.m. Vehicle in roadway on Bullard St. with flashers on; deer ran in front of vehicle
10:41 a.m. Large pothole on Sunnyside Ave.
11:19 a.m. Two students from high school on Sunnyside Ave.
1:29 p.m. Theft of meat from supermarket
2:22 p.m. Kids loitering in front of Main St. business
3:03 p.m. Report of dangerous trench on Wachusett St.
3:05 p.m. Inquiry regarding if anyone reported hitting wooden barrier on Towle Dr.
5:25 p.m. Trench on Wachusett St. getting larger Well-being check of Duxbury Lane resident
6:24 p.m. Caller reports airbags deployed while driving on Wachusett St.
7:08 p.m. Caller damaged two rims on Wachusett St. near construction site; builder advised and will fill trench with stone
7:47 p.m. Suspicious vehicle in church lot on Reservoir St.
11:59 p.m. Suspicious vehicle on Main St.

Tuesday, October 26

9:39 p.m. Suspicious man looking in windows on Manning St.
1:04 p.m. Car in lot with flat tire
1:29 p.m. Kids hanging around Main St. office
2:07 p.m. Suspicious vehicle on Main St.; two kids waiting for ride, as well
3:08 p.m. Request for crosswalk to be painted at library
5:02 p.m. Motorcycle speeding on Salisbury St.
7:20 p.m. Motorcycles speeding and causing noise on Reservoir St.
7:28 p.m. Assist with lockout on Main St.
9:45 p.m. Male occupants of vehicles got out and possibly fighting, on Reservoir St.

Wednesday, October 27

6:32 a.m. Deer hit on Union St.
7:39 a.m. Walk-in with gun piece
9:17 a.m. Report of cars driving too fast through school zone on Salisbury St.
9:47 a.m. Caller reports documents previously reported stolen have been located
11:04 a.m. 911 hang-up; testing phones in elevator
11:37 a.m. Main St. business owner wants vehicle in his lot tagged; individual told not to park there
4:02 p.m. Vehicle accident on Main St.; nonreportable damage
4:30 p.m. Inquiry about Wild Willow Rd., whether it's a public way
7:52 p.m. Caller almost hit someone who ran stop sign on Princeton St.
9:34 p.m. Suspicious vehicle parked near driveway on Wachusett St.

Thursday, October 28

12:26 a.m. Suspicious vehicle on Main St.
8:29 a.m. Caller reports black bear destroyed bird feeder; several bears in neighborhood
12:10 p.m. Suspicious vehicle parked in front of home on Wachusett St. for two days
2:20 p.m. Open doors at residence on Newell Rd.; only dogs at home; message left for homeowner
2:31 p.m. Small group of kids in front of business on Main St.; disbursed
3:56 p.m. 911 Report of dog hit by car on Bailey Rd.
4:13 p.m. Caller wants information about log splitter; trying to register it
5:03 p.m. Caller reports neighbor's dog running loose throughout neighborhood on Brennan Way; owner not home; dog escaped through basement window
5:17 p.m. Caller reports many people at intersection of Rte. 31 and Rte. 122 holding political signs; some in roadway presenting traffic hazard
5:37 p.m. Several youths skateboarding on Heritage Lane
6:00 p.m. Caller reports fundraising call; checking its legitimacy; advised to call organization
6:28 p.m. Caller about duck hunting on Eagle Lake
8:41 p.m. Caller to express displeasure at the way police handled son's incident

Friday, October 29

3:59 a.m. Request for peacekeeping during repossession
9:06 a.m. Caller received summons but is unable to go to court as she is out of state; advised to call court
10:29 a.m. Vehicle lockout on Reservoir St.
11:14 a.m. Party advised to move along at WTAG tower on Shrewsbury St.
2:42 p.m. Group of kids on Main St. in front of business
3:35 p.m. 911 Well-being check on four-year-old child sleeping in back of vehicle at business on Main St.
4:38 p.m. 911 Wrong number; calling 411 for pharmacy number
4:54 p.m. Children playing near pond at end of Gail Dr.
5:00 p.m. Dog walking on Holden St.
5:33 p.m. Suspicious person staggering around vehicle on Stoneleigh Rd.
5:41 p.m. Kids playing on fire escape on Boyden Rd.
9:23 p.m. Kids advised to move along from in front of business on Main St.

Saturday, October 30

5:17 a.m. Caller reports vehicle went off road after driver fell asleep; driver uninjured; crash occurred in Worcester
9:21 a.m. Bullet hole in mailbox on Quinapoxet St.
10:34 a.m. 911 Vehicle passing two vehicles on Rte. 68
7:18 p.m. 911 Juveniles having large fire on Holden St.
8:01 p.m. Caller reports male party speeds down Windhurst Dr.
8:29 p.m. Beagle found on Sunnyside Ave.
9:14 p.m. Loud noise coming from residence on Salisbury St.
9:58 p.m. Suspicious vehicle parked on Industrial Dr., no occupants

Sunday, October 31

12:16 a.m. Suspicious vehicle unattended in Rail Trail parking lot
1:59 a.m. 911 Report of hearing gun shots near Avery Rd.
10:42 a.m. 911 Caller reports doorbell ditch on Newell Rd.; has occurred before; three male parties heading up Coventry Rd.
10:59 a.m. Bomb threat reported at high school for Nov. 1
5:49 p.m. Raccoon on back deck of home on Bailey Rd., sick or injured
6:07 p.m. Suspicious vehicle on Lovell Rd.
6:33 p.m. Vehicles speeding in Britney Dr. neighborhood
6:49 p.m. Five youths with marijuana paraphernalia on Mill St.; juveniles picked up by responsible party
6:51 p.m. Report of vehicle driving on Montana Dr. with children standing on side of vehicle
7:30 p.m. Threat of bomb so far unsubstantiated
7:36 p.m. Youths smashing pumpkins on Oakridge Rd.
8:36 p.m. Missing juvenile female from Cook St.; female returned home

Paxton

Monday, October 25

12:28 a.m. Suspicious vehicle in parking lot, Pleasant St.
4:33 p.m. Attempt to deliver summons, Pleasant St.
8:06 p.m. Attempt to serve summons. Person will come to station to get document, Pleasant St.
8:19 p.m. Summons delivered, Boynton Pkway.
8:39 p.m. Report of dogs loose in area of Lancelot Dr.
9:30 p.m. Report that vacant house has lights on and someone hears noises inside, Pine Acre

Tuesday, October 26

7:15 a.m. Report of loud bang and power out, Indian Hill area
3:15 p.m. Male soliciting in area of Crystal St.

Wednesday, October 27

4:13 p.m. Two cement trucks parked at Pleasant St. & Walbridge Rd. Driver can't see oncoming traffic

Thursday, October 28

8:47 p.m. Officer from Worcester Police Department in station to speak with Paxton officer, Pleasant St.

Friday, October 29

1:19 p.m. Motor vehicle lockout. Police gain access, Pleasant St.
2:26 p.m. Female locked keys in vehicle, West St.
8:11 p.m. Caller reports someone banging on door, no one there, Camp St.

Saturday, October 30

8:27 p.m. Suspicious vehicle on Laurel St.
9:47 p.m. Rutland Police advise of two erratic operators, appear to be racing each other, Rte. 122

Sunday, October 31

7:21 a.m. Two loose horses in area of Grove St. and Streeter Rd.
12:27 p.m. Caller reporting that several males appear to be selling and using narcotics, Grove St. soccer fields
2:03 p.m. Loose white dog, behaving aggressively, Dunanderry Way
7:34 p.m. Vehicles being removed from basketball courts, West St.

Princeton

Monday, October 25

9:01 a.m. Suspicious white vehicle driving slowly on Sterling Rd.
9:20 a.m. Large tan and white dog took off, later picked up by officer and returned home, Coal Kiln Rd.
11:23 a.m. Disabled vehicle near Westminster Road and person walking on Mountain Rd.
2:12 p.m. Suspicious male wearing hoodie walking on Beaman Rd.
3:27 p.m. Older golden retriever in middle of the road, Mountain Rd./Allen Hill Rd.
7:37 p.m. 911 abandoned call, police find it to be child playing with phone, Beaman Rd.

Tuesday, October 26

4:55 p.m. Police remove tree from Bullard Rd.

Wednesday, October 27

7:32 a.m. Assist light department, smoke coming from base of utility pole, East Princeton Rd.
5:36 p.m. Person requesting to speak with an officer regarding a problem with her daughter, Town Hall Dr.
5:44 p.m. Caller wants officer to speak with friend who was involved in an accident in Fitchburg. Fitchburg Police advised
6:42 p.m. Two Labradors wandering in the rain, both wearing shock collars, Westminster Rd. Owner later found

Thursday, October 28

12:07 a.m. Suspicious vehicle, Leominster Rd.
12:31 p.m. Vehicle with out of state plates and operator selling meat and chicken out of truck, Rte. 140 North
4:00 p.m. Dog running loose in yard, Lyons Rd.
4:06 p.m. Elderly male with broken leg on trail on Wachusett Mt. Police assist ambulance personnel
4:50 p.m. Young, black dog wearing shock collar running through yard on Wheeler Rd.
5:30 p.m. Police asked to check on box of pamphlets to be left at town hall, Town Hall Dr.
7:10 p.m. Suspicious vehicle, Fitchburg Rd.
7:42 p.m. Erratic driver possibly headed toward Princeton on Rte. 31

Friday, October 29

1:33 p.m. Request for traffic control for speeders, Gates Rd.
4:45 p.m. Suspicious vehicle near Redemption Rock, Rte. 140 North
5:15 p.m. Report of multiple vehicles impeding roadway in center of town, Mountain Rd.
9:53 p.m. Police transport female to vehicle on Rte. 140

Saturday, October 30

4:10 p.m. Police transport individual to residence in Fitchburg
8:45 p.m. Vehicle parked by wind farm, Westminster Rd.

Rutland

Monday, October 25

11:45 p.m. State trooper requesting to speak with an officer in reference to a situation in town.

Tuesday, October 26

9:15 a.m. Party to speak with officer regarding wood stolen off his property, Pleasantdale Rd.
10:37a.m. Walk-in to speak with officer regarding problem with neighbor, Carly Cir.
11:33 a.m. Break-in at apartment, articles including syringes left behind, Central Tree Rd.
12:58 p.m. Loose dog, Valley View Cir.
3:40 p.m. Erratic operators in car and on motorcycle, Pleasantdale Rd.
3:46 p.m. Shed broken into and motorcycle gas tank keyed, Sassawanna Rd.
5:12 p.m. Motorcycle passing six cars at a time, Main St.

Wednesday, October 27

4:43 p.m. White German short hair pointer loose, Prescott St.
2:41 p.m. White terrier reported missing, Thurston Hill Rd.
6:36 p.m. Vehicle lock-out, Main St.

Thursday, October 28

2:45 a.m. Stolen bike, Cameron Dr.
3:12 p.m. Tree across road, Pleasantdale Rd.
5:15 p.m. Pop-up tent in woods near cemetery, Main St.
5:41 p.m. Caller reporting a possible shoplifting incident that is on video, Maple Ave.
6:11 p.m. Vehicle lock-out, Main St.
8:15 p.m. Caller reporting her 10-year-old sister heard someone on front porch, saw very tall, white male in black hooded sweatshirt. House key is missing from under the door mat, Athens Ave.

Friday, October 29

3:09 p.m. Party reporting water is pouring out of neighbor's house. Called National Grid, which is contacting owner.
4:16 p.m. Officer moved two youths who were skateboarding, Main St.
4:26 p.m. Walk-in to be fingerprinted.

Saturday, October 30

12:16 p.m. Caller reporting Honda pulled into her driveway and knocked down light post, Walnut St.
12:58 p.m. Caller reports her 16-year old blind, deaf schnauzer is missing and believes it was stolen, Prouty Ln.
1:40 p.m. Schnauzer located.
2:02 p.m. Loose dog, Watson Ln.
4:50 p.m. Skateboarders in road, Pommogussett Rd.

Sunday, October 31

10:41 a.m. Lock-out, Massachusetts St.
12:35 p.m. Two car accident, Pleasantdale Rd.
3:56 p.m. Golden retriever loose on Main St.
4:26 p.m. Walk-in to speak with officer. Two officers en route to Bushy Ln. to preserve the peace.
4:59 p.m. Group of youths threw pear at house, Nancy Dr.
5:20 p.m. Big golden dog hanging around store, Main St.
9:07 p.m. Water leak reported near gate. Received several calls about no water in the area, Maple Ave.

Sterling

Monday, October 25

9:44 a.m. Animal control officer setting traps for adult feral cats, Goulding Rd.
9:45 a.m. Traffic control for highway department while they fill large potholes on Main St.
3:50 p.m. Assist citizen, install car seat, Leominster Rd.
4:49 p.m. Caller reports hitting a dog, Clinton Rd.
9:30 p.m. Suspicious male pushing a wheelbarrow toward club on Albright Rd.

Tuesday, October 26

10:59 a.m. Suspicious vehicle parked in area of Greenland Rd. & Reed Rd.
1:14 p.m. Follow-up investigation regarding vehicle that isn't being returned to owner, Worcester Rd. Police advise issue is a civil matter
6:12 p.m. While walking on track behind school, female reports teenagers looking in car windows, then water bottles were thrown at car, Chocksett Rd.
7:07 p.m. Request for officer for disturbance between two males, Tuttle Rd.

Wednesday, October 27

7:20 a.m. Motor vehicle accident, extraction needed, animal control officer needed for animal in vehicle, Chocksett Rd. & Leominster Rd.
11:46 p.m. Suspicious activity, Maple St.
12:28 p.m. Dead skunk on private property on School St.
12:43 p.m. Report of damage to house gutters ripped off home and left on ground, School St.
3:36 p.m. Person came to station to report arriving at home and finding a stranger in the yard with a dog, Albright Rd.

Thursday, October 28

11:55 a.m. Suspicious pickup truck traveling up and down North Row Rd and Williams St. several times
12:18 p.m. Suspicious person trying to deliver package, South Nelson Rd. ID checked, all set
1:01 p.m. Police transport individual to Boutelle Rd. after traffic stop
4:34 p.m. Police attempt to find disabled vehicle, Metropolitan Rd.
6:43 p.m. Caller reports deer ran out of woods into side of his vehicle, unable to find deer, Chace Hill Rd.
6:58 p.m. Report of group of teenage males creating problem, swearing, pulling up flags marking fields, Griffin Rd.

Friday, October 29

11:04 a.m. Person wants to speak with animal control officer about an animal that is digging under the garage door, School St.

Saturday, October 30

9:37 a.m. Officer wanted, person thought stranger was in house. All set, family member, Redemption Rock Trl.
2:53 p.m. Several vehicles without town stickers at town beach, Hall Ave.
8:17 p.m. Suspicious pickup truck in driveway, Redemption Rock Trl.
8:27 p.m. Suspicious vehicle going slowly by houses, Stephanie Anne Lane
9:24 p.m. Report of dead raccoon on Rte. 12

Sunday, October 31

10:20 a.m. Assist Leominster Police check on vehicle that passed someone, Clinton Rd.
5:39 p.m. Escort services, Riverview Rd.
8:26 p.m. Dog found in middle of road, North Row Rd.
11:16 p.m. Pack of coyotes in area of Lucas Rd.

Crime in suburbia

From The Landmark (subscription required):

[Editor's note: There were 25 suspicious items this week.]

Holden

Monday, October 25

7:02 a.m. Vehicle in roadway on Bullard St. with flashers on; deer ran in front of vehicle
10:41 a.m. Large pothole on Sunnyside Ave.
11:19 a.m. Two students from high school on Sunnyside Ave.
1:29 p.m. Theft of meat from supermarket
2:22 p.m. Kids loitering in front of Main St. business
3:03 p.m. Report of dangerous trench on Wachusett St.
3:05 p.m. Inquiry regarding if anyone reported hitting wooden barrier on Towle Dr.
5:25 p.m. Trench on Wachusett St. getting larger Well-being check of Duxbury Lane resident
6:24 p.m. Caller reports airbags deployed while driving on Wachusett St.
7:08 p.m. Caller damaged two rims on Wachusett St. near construction site; builder advised and will fill trench with stone
7:47 p.m. Suspicious vehicle in church lot on Reservoir St.
11:59 p.m. Suspicious vehicle on Main St.

Tuesday, October 26

9:39 p.m. Suspicious man looking in windows on Manning St.
1:04 p.m. Car in lot with flat tire
1:29 p.m. Kids hanging around Main St. office
2:07 p.m. Suspicious vehicle on Main St.; two kids waiting for ride, as well
3:08 p.m. Request for crosswalk to be painted at library
5:02 p.m. Motorcycle speeding on Salisbury St.
7:20 p.m. Motorcycles speeding and causing noise on Reservoir St.
7:28 p.m. Assist with lockout on Main St.
9:45 p.m. Male occupants of vehicles got out and possibly fighting, on Reservoir St.

Wednesday, October 27

6:32 a.m. Deer hit on Union St.
7:39 a.m. Walk-in with gun piece
9:17 a.m. Report of cars driving too fast through school zone on Salisbury St.
9:47 a.m. Caller reports documents previously reported stolen have been located
11:04 a.m. 911 hang-up; testing phones in elevator
11:37 a.m. Main St. business owner wants vehicle in his lot tagged; individual told not to park there
4:02 p.m. Vehicle accident on Main St.; nonreportable damage
4:30 p.m. Inquiry about Wild Willow Rd., whether it's a public way
7:52 p.m. Caller almost hit someone who ran stop sign on Princeton St.
9:34 p.m. Suspicious vehicle parked near driveway on Wachusett St.

Thursday, October 28

12:26 a.m. Suspicious vehicle on Main St.
8:29 a.m. Caller reports black bear destroyed bird feeder; several bears in neighborhood
12:10 p.m. Suspicious vehicle parked in front of home on Wachusett St. for two days
2:20 p.m. Open doors at residence on Newell Rd.; only dogs at home; message left for homeowner
2:31 p.m. Small group of kids in front of business on Main St.; disbursed
3:56 p.m. 911 Report of dog hit by car on Bailey Rd.
4:13 p.m. Caller wants information about log splitter; trying to register it
5:03 p.m. Caller reports neighbor's dog running loose throughout neighborhood on Brennan Way; owner not home; dog escaped through basement window
5:17 p.m. Caller reports many people at intersection of Rte. 31 and Rte. 122 holding political signs; some in roadway presenting traffic hazard
5:37 p.m. Several youths skateboarding on Heritage Lane
6:00 p.m. Caller reports fundraising call; checking its legitimacy; advised to call organization
6:28 p.m. Caller about duck hunting on Eagle Lake
8:41 p.m. Caller to express displeasure at the way police handled son's incident

Friday, October 29

3:59 a.m. Request for peacekeeping during repossession
9:06 a.m. Caller received summons but is unable to go to court as she is out of state; advised to call court
10:29 a.m. Vehicle lockout on Reservoir St.
11:14 a.m. Party advised to move along at WTAG tower on Shrewsbury St.
2:42 p.m. Group of kids on Main St. in front of business
3:35 p.m. 911 Well-being check on four-year-old child sleeping in back of vehicle at business on Main St.
4:38 p.m. 911 Wrong number; calling 411 for pharmacy number
4:54 p.m. Children playing near pond at end of Gail Dr.
5:00 p.m. Dog walking on Holden St.
5:33 p.m. Suspicious person staggering around vehicle on Stoneleigh Rd.
5:41 p.m. Kids playing on fire escape on Boyden Rd.
9:23 p.m. Kids advised to move along from in front of business on Main St.

Saturday, October 30

5:17 a.m. Caller reports vehicle went off road after driver fell asleep; driver uninjured; crash occurred in Worcester
9:21 a.m. Bullet hole in mailbox on Quinapoxet St.
10:34 a.m. 911 Vehicle passing two vehicles on Rte. 68
7:18 p.m. 911 Juveniles having large fire on Holden St.
8:01 p.m. Caller reports male party speeds down Windhurst Dr.
8:29 p.m. Beagle found on Sunnyside Ave.
9:14 p.m. Loud noise coming from residence on Salisbury St.
9:58 p.m. Suspicious vehicle parked on Industrial Dr., no occupants

Sunday, October 31

12:16 a.m. Suspicious vehicle unattended in Rail Trail parking lot
1:59 a.m. 911 Report of hearing gun shots near Avery Rd.
10:42 a.m. 911 Caller reports doorbell ditch on Newell Rd.; has occurred before; three male parties heading up Coventry Rd.
10:59 a.m. Bomb threat reported at high school for Nov. 1
5:49 p.m. Raccoon on back deck of home on Bailey Rd., sick or injured
6:07 p.m. Suspicious vehicle on Lovell Rd.
6:33 p.m. Vehicles speeding in Britney Dr. neighborhood
6:49 p.m. Five youths with marijuana paraphernalia on Mill St.; juveniles picked up by responsible party
6:51 p.m. Report of vehicle driving on Montana Dr. with children standing on side of vehicle
7:30 p.m. Threat of bomb so far unsubstantiated
7:36 p.m. Youths smashing pumpkins on Oakridge Rd.
8:36 p.m. Missing juvenile female from Cook St.; female returned home

Paxton

Monday, October 25

12:28 a.m. Suspicious vehicle in parking lot, Pleasant St.
4:33 p.m. Attempt to deliver summons, Pleasant St.
8:06 p.m. Attempt to serve summons. Person will come to station to get document, Pleasant St.
8:19 p.m. Summons delivered, Boynton Pkway.
8:39 p.m. Report of dogs loose in area of Lancelot Dr.
9:30 p.m. Report that vacant house has lights on and someone hears noises inside, Pine Acre

Tuesday, October 26

7:15 a.m. Report of loud bang and power out, Indian Hill area
3:15 p.m. Male soliciting in area of Crystal St.

Wednesday, October 27

4:13 p.m. Two cement trucks parked at Pleasant St. & Walbridge Rd. Driver can't see oncoming traffic

Thursday, October 28

8:47 p.m. Officer from Worcester Police Department in station to speak with Paxton officer, Pleasant St.

Friday, October 29

1:19 p.m. Motor vehicle lockout. Police gain access, Pleasant St.
2:26 p.m. Female locked keys in vehicle, West St.
8:11 p.m. Caller reports someone banging on door, no one there, Camp St.

Saturday, October 30

8:27 p.m. Suspicious vehicle on Laurel St.
9:47 p.m. Rutland Police advise of two erratic operators, appear to be racing each other, Rte. 122

Sunday, October 31

7:21 a.m. Two loose horses in area of Grove St. and Streeter Rd.
12:27 p.m. Caller reporting that several males appear to be selling and using narcotics, Grove St. soccer fields
2:03 p.m. Loose white dog, behaving aggressively, Dunanderry Way
7:34 p.m. Vehicles being removed from basketball courts, West St.

Princeton

Monday, October 25

9:01 a.m. Suspicious white vehicle driving slowly on Sterling Rd.
9:20 a.m. Large tan and white dog took off, later picked up by officer and returned home, Coal Kiln Rd.
11:23 a.m. Disabled vehicle near Westminster Road and person walking on Mountain Rd.
2:12 p.m. Suspicious male wearing hoodie walking on Beaman Rd.
3:27 p.m. Older golden retriever in middle of the road, Mountain Rd./Allen Hill Rd.
7:37 p.m. 911 abandoned call, police find it to be child playing with phone, Beaman Rd.

Tuesday, October 26

4:55 p.m. Police remove tree from Bullard Rd.

Wednesday, October 27

7:32 a.m. Assist light department, smoke coming from base of utility pole, East Princeton Rd.
5:36 p.m. Person requesting to speak with an officer regarding a problem with her daughter, Town Hall Dr.
5:44 p.m. Caller wants officer to speak with friend who was involved in an accident in Fitchburg. Fitchburg Police advised
6:42 p.m. Two Labradors wandering in the rain, both wearing shock collars, Westminster Rd. Owner later found

Thursday, October 28

12:07 a.m. Suspicious vehicle, Leominster Rd.
12:31 p.m. Vehicle with out of state plates and operator selling meat and chicken out of truck, Rte. 140 North
4:00 p.m. Dog running loose in yard, Lyons Rd.
4:06 p.m. Elderly male with broken leg on trail on Wachusett Mt. Police assist ambulance personnel
4:50 p.m. Young, black dog wearing shock collar running through yard on Wheeler Rd.
5:30 p.m. Police asked to check on box of pamphlets to be left at town hall, Town Hall Dr.
7:10 p.m. Suspicious vehicle, Fitchburg Rd.
7:42 p.m. Erratic driver possibly headed toward Princeton on Rte. 31

Friday, October 29

1:33 p.m. Request for traffic control for speeders, Gates Rd.
4:45 p.m. Suspicious vehicle near Redemption Rock, Rte. 140 North
5:15 p.m. Report of multiple vehicles impeding roadway in center of town, Mountain Rd.
9:53 p.m. Police transport female to vehicle on Rte. 140

Saturday, October 30

4:10 p.m. Police transport individual to residence in Fitchburg
8:45 p.m. Vehicle parked by wind farm, Westminster Rd.

Rutland

Monday, October 25

11:45 p.m. State trooper requesting to speak with an officer in reference to a situation in town.

Tuesday, October 26

9:15 a.m. Party to speak with officer regarding wood stolen off his property, Pleasantdale Rd.
10:37a.m. Walk-in to speak with officer regarding problem with neighbor, Carly Cir.
11:33 a.m. Break-in at apartment, articles including syringes left behind, Central Tree Rd.
12:58 p.m. Loose dog, Valley View Cir.
3:40 p.m. Erratic operators in car and on motorcycle, Pleasantdale Rd.
3:46 p.m. Shed broken into and motorcycle gas tank keyed, Sassawanna Rd.
5:12 p.m. Motorcycle passing six cars at a time, Main St.

Wednesday, October 27

4:43 p.m. White German short hair pointer loose, Prescott St.
2:41 p.m. White terrier reported missing, Thurston Hill Rd.
6:36 p.m. Vehicle lock-out, Main St.

Thursday, October 28

2:45 a.m. Stolen bike, Cameron Dr.
3:12 p.m. Tree across road, Pleasantdale Rd.
5:15 p.m. Pop-up tent in woods near cemetery, Main St.
5:41 p.m. Caller reporting a possible shoplifting incident that is on video, Maple Ave.
6:11 p.m. Vehicle lock-out, Main St.
8:15 p.m. Caller reporting her 10-year-old sister heard someone on front porch, saw very tall, white male in black hooded sweatshirt. House key is missing from under the door mat, Athens Ave.

Friday, October 29

3:09 p.m. Party reporting water is pouring out of neighbor's house. Called National Grid, which is contacting owner.
4:16 p.m. Officer moved two youths who were skateboarding, Main St.
4:26 p.m. Walk-in to be fingerprinted.

Saturday, October 30

12:16 p.m. Caller reporting Honda pulled into her driveway and knocked down light post, Walnut St.
12:58 p.m. Caller reports her 16-year old blind, deaf schnauzer is missing and believes it was stolen, Prouty Ln.
1:40 p.m. Schnauzer located.
2:02 p.m. Loose dog, Watson Ln.
4:50 p.m. Skateboarders in road, Pommogussett Rd.

Sunday, October 31

10:41 a.m. Lock-out, Massachusetts St.
12:35 p.m. Two car accident, Pleasantdale Rd.
3:56 p.m. Golden retriever loose on Main St.
4:26 p.m. Walk-in to speak with officer. Two officers en route to Bushy Ln. to preserve the peace.
4:59 p.m. Group of youths threw pear at house, Nancy Dr.
5:20 p.m. Big golden dog hanging around store, Main St.
9:07 p.m. Water leak reported near gate. Received several calls about no water in the area, Maple Ave.

Sterling

Monday, October 25

9:44 a.m. Animal control officer setting traps for adult feral cats, Goulding Rd.
9:45 a.m. Traffic control for highway department while they fill large potholes on Main St.
3:50 p.m. Assist citizen, install car seat, Leominster Rd.
4:49 p.m. Caller reports hitting a dog, Clinton Rd.
9:30 p.m. Suspicious male pushing a wheelbarrow toward club on Albright Rd.

Tuesday, October 26

10:59 a.m. Suspicious vehicle parked in area of Greenland Rd. & Reed Rd.
1:14 p.m. Follow-up investigation regarding vehicle that isn't being returned to owner, Worcester Rd. Police advise issue is a civil matter
6:12 p.m. While walking on track behind school, female reports teenagers looking in car windows, then water bottles were thrown at car, Chocksett Rd.
7:07 p.m. Request for officer for disturbance between two males, Tuttle Rd.

Wednesday, October 27

7:20 a.m. Motor vehicle accident, extraction needed, animal control officer needed for animal in vehicle, Chocksett Rd. & Leominster Rd.
11:46 p.m. Suspicious activity, Maple St.
12:28 p.m. Dead skunk on private property on School St.
12:43 p.m. Report of damage to house gutters ripped off home and left on ground, School St.
3:36 p.m. Person came to station to report arriving at home and finding a stranger in the yard with a dog, Albright Rd.

Thursday, October 28

11:55 a.m. Suspicious pickup truck traveling up and down North Row Rd and Williams St. several times
12:18 p.m. Suspicious person trying to deliver package, South Nelson Rd. ID checked, all set
1:01 p.m. Police transport individual to Boutelle Rd. after traffic stop
4:34 p.m. Police attempt to find disabled vehicle, Metropolitan Rd.
6:43 p.m. Caller reports deer ran out of woods into side of his vehicle, unable to find deer, Chace Hill Rd.
6:58 p.m. Report of group of teenage males creating problem, swearing, pulling up flags marking fields, Griffin Rd.

Friday, October 29

11:04 a.m. Person wants to speak with animal control officer about an animal that is digging under the garage door, School St.

Saturday, October 30

9:37 a.m. Officer wanted, person thought stranger was in house. All set, family member, Redemption Rock Trl.
2:53 p.m. Several vehicles without town stickers at town beach, Hall Ave.
8:17 p.m. Suspicious pickup truck in driveway, Redemption Rock Trl.
8:27 p.m. Suspicious vehicle going slowly by houses, Stephanie Anne Lane
9:24 p.m. Report of dead raccoon on Rte. 12

Sunday, October 31

10:20 a.m. Assist Leominster Police check on vehicle that passed someone, Clinton Rd.
5:39 p.m. Escort services, Riverview Rd.
8:26 p.m. Dog found in middle of road, North Row Rd.
11:16 p.m. Pack of coyotes in area of Lucas Rd.

How much it costs depends on where and when you start

Price of a taxi ride ranges from $0.91 off-peak in Dehli to $24.24 at peak time in Zurich. See World taxi prices: What a 3-kilometer ride costs in 72 big cities.
It's interesting that this information isn't available on the web for Worcester. Although the ordinances of the city state that the city council can set the rates, the rates aren't published in a manner that civilians can find them. For example, what would be the cost of a ride from WCUW to the Worcester Art Museum, about two miles or just a bit more than 3km?

How much it costs depends on where and when you start

Price of a taxi ride ranges from $0.91 off-peak in Dehli to $24.24 at peak time in Zurich. See World taxi prices: What a 3-kilometer ride costs in 72 big cities.
It's interesting that this information isn't available on the web for Worcester. Although the ordinances of the city state that the city council can set the rates, the rates aren't published in a manner that civilians can find them. For example, what would be the cost of a ride from WCUW to the Worcester Art Museum, about two miles or just a bit more than 3km?

Happy 6th Birthday, Cassie

Happy 6th Birthday, Cassie

We voted. You decide.

The take-away message for this election is that Massachusetts brought itself back to familiar footing after the brief flirtation with the national trends in January. Democrats, shaken by Senator Scott Brown's election, realized that they had to work for their (re-)elections. In doing so, they found that voters responded.
Locally, Kim Ferguson (R-Holden) defeated Ken O'Brien (D-Holden) and Jon Long (U-Holden) for the 1st Worcester state representative's post, replacing Lew Evangelidis (R-Holden), who, at this writing, is likely to be the next Worcester County sheriff. Ferguson won the solid;ly Republican district with nearly 58% of the vote, fractionally better than the last time that Evangelidis faced a serious challenge in 2002. While Democrats outnumber Republicans in the district (see 2010 State Election Party Enrollment Statistics (PDF, 52k)) unenrolled voters outnumber those with party affiliations and the district has tended to support Republicans for quite some time. 
At the national level, well, good luck to all of us. The Republicans now control the House, much as the Democrats had a majority in 2006. Four years ago, the Democrats were unable to change much of anything because, as almost-Speaker John Beohner (R-Ohio) says, "While our new majority will serve as your voice in the people's House, we must remember it is the president who sets the agenda for our government."
We elected these folks, whether we voted for them or not, and so need their best work on behalf of all of us.

We voted. You decide.

The take-away message for this election is that Massachusetts brought itself back to familiar footing after the brief flirtation with the national trends in January. Democrats, shaken by Senator Scott Brown's election, realized that they had to work for their (re-)elections. In doing so, they found that voters responded.
Locally, Kim Ferguson (R-Holden) defeated Ken O'Brien (D-Holden) and Jon Long (U-Holden) for the 1st Worcester state representative's post, replacing Lew Evangelidis (R-Holden), who, at this writing, is likely to be the next Worcester County sheriff. Ferguson won the solid;ly Republican district with nearly 58% of the vote, fractionally better than the last time that Evangelidis faced a serious challenge in 2002. While Democrats outnumber Republicans in the district (see 2010 State Election Party Enrollment Statistics (PDF, 52k)) unenrolled voters outnumber those with party affiliations and the district has tended to support Republicans for quite some time. 
At the national level, well, good luck to all of us. The Republicans now control the House, much as the Democrats had a majority in 2006. Four years ago, the Democrats were unable to change much of anything because, as almost-Speaker John Beohner (R-Ohio) says, "While our new majority will serve as your voice in the people's House, we must remember it is the president who sets the agenda for our government."
We elected these folks, whether we voted for them or not, and so need their best work on behalf of all of us.

Election Night Results

Pioneering election coverage from 40 years ago.

Crime in suburbia

From The Landmark (subscription required):

[Editor's note: There were 21 suspicious items this week.]

Holden

Monday, October 18

2:00 a.m. 911 hang-up, Sherwood Hill Dr.; caller trying to get a plumber
3:22 a.m. Caller from Sherwood Hill Dr. requesting to speak with officer; called three times
8:26 a.m. Loose animal, Windy Ridge Rd.
9:00 a.m. Suspicious incident; Sterling PD will handle
10:24 a.m. Caller lost his marijuana citation
12:08 p.m. Caller asking if daughter arrested; negative
2:24 p.m. Trash toter removed from roadway
2:32 p.m. Kids hanging out in front of doctor's office, Main St.
5:04 p.m. Arrests: ---; possession of Class E drug (ocycodone), shoplifting by asportation (third offense); --- ; possession of Class E drug,shoplifting by asportation
6:33 p.m. 911 call from 12-year-old complaining mother being a jerk and trying to ruin his life; poor performance in school led to parents taking away Xbox
6:40 p.m. Suspicious incident, Bailey Rd.
7:09 p.m. Caller reports friend growing weed in Worcester; advised to contact Worcester PD
7:55 p.m. Someone "ghosting" caller and leaving trick-or-treat candy on steps

Tuesday, October 19

10:42 a.m. Call regarding getting meds returned after arrest
11:32 a.m. Hunting equipment stolen, Main St.
12:26 p.m. Caller getting bill collector calls; says he doesn't owe money
2:39 p.m. Small child's bike lying by side of Reservoir Rd.
5:15 p.m. Lockout of home, Wachusett St.

Wednesday, October 20

7:23 a.m. Life Alert client reports strange people in home
12:46 p.m. Suspicious motor vehicle, Holden St.; housekeeper
1:07 p.m. Business owner has item that belongs to student that loiters in front of building
1:21 p.m. Kids riding skateboards into traffic, Boyden Rd.
2:12 p.m. Report of teen with pants down on trail near school
2:20 p.m. Caller asking if anyone turned in cell phone
2:38 p.m. Youths in travel lane, Holt Rd.
3:08 p.m. Report of youths fighting at Dawson School; no problem, just playing
5:14 p.m. Paint thrown on car during night, Shrewsbury St.

Thursday, October 21

3:51 a.m. Suspicious motor vehicle, Greystone Dr.
5:51 a.m. Person with flashlight in woods, Arizona Ave.; may be hunters
9:06 a.m. Gunshots, Shrewsbury St.; might be hunters
1:37 p.m. 911 caller looking for nursing home phone number
1:52 p.m. Work crew shut down; working in bad spot with no detail
2:17 p.m. 911 hang-up from bank within high school; all set
2:22 p.m. Call for well-being check with specific officer; will speak with chief
4:01 p.m. Pitbull tied in front yard of home barking as if to attack, Quinapoxet St.
4:40 p.m. People passing school buses while stop lights flashing, Mountview School
5:56 p.m. Sewage backup, Park Ave.
10:20 p.m. Vehicle in wrong lane, Shrewsbury St.

Friday, October 22

7:21 a.m. Large group of individuals in front of business, Main St.; sent back to school
9:19 a.m. Caller volunteering to patrol rail trail and Trout Brook to enforce leash laws
11:02 a.m. Contractor removed from site, traffic safety hazard
12:06 p.m. Walk-in says vehicle ran him off road in center of town
2:00 p.m. Individual on moped with no helmet, no license; parent took moped
6:41 p.m. Cell phone found, Holden St.
7:08 p.m. Woman can't find son; found at 7:34 p.m.
9:36 p.m. Suspicious vehicle coming out of cemetery, Main St.

Saturday, October 23

1:33 a.m. Suspicious vehicle, Main St.
9:19 a.m. Caller says brother took mother's debit card for drugs
11:29 a.m. Hitchhiker on Main St.
1:40 p.m. Complaint about irksome phone call from Family Circle magazine
3:45 p.m. Group of kids leaving cemetery

Sunday, October 24

9:54 a.m. Walk-in to speak to someone about unruly child
5:13 p.m. Caller wants to be connected to party in another town; advised cannot do so
6:03 p.m. Caller reports uncle threw him down the stairs
9:37 p.m. Caller believes construction area at Wachusett and River streets needs to be made safer

Paxton

Monday, October 18

11:16 p.m. Car out of gas, Pleasant St.
11:43 p.m. Suspicious auto, town fields

Tuesday, October 19

5:15 p.m. Brown and white boxer loose, Anna Maria College
5:30 p.m. Suspicious auto, Richards Ave.
11:56 p.m. Suspicious box truck parked in front of Market Place

Wednesday, October 20

2:19 a.m. Suspicious auto, Streeter Rd.

Thursday, October 21

6:02 p.m. Suspicious auto, Elm St.
11:48 p.m. Suspicious auto, Grove St. soccer fields

Friday, October 22

3:09 a.m. Audible burglar alarm, Pleasant St. Appears to be fire alarm
11:58 p.m. Stray dog followed caller and her sister home
4:37 p.m. Suspicious auto, Pleasant St.
9:57 p.m. Suspicious auto, Grove St. soccer fields.

Saturday, October 23

7:55 a.m. Two horses loose, Grove St.
2:48 p.m. Walk-in advising of suspicious vehicle, Grove St. Driver doing traffic survey
3:20 p.m. Caller heard gunshots in woods behind backyard, Pierce Cir.

Sunday, October 23

2:50 p.m. Resident reports illegal dumping in his Dumpster, Pleasant St.

Princeton

Monday, October 18

6:48 p.m. Yellow Labrador found, Gates Rd.
6:50 p.m. Vehicle locked behind gate, Mountain Rd.

Tuesday, October 19

4:35 p.m. Caller reports the address on his license was unknowingly changed, Calamint Hill Rd. S
8:14 p.m. Annoying phone calls, Radford Rd.
10:42 p.m. Trash bags in road, Rte. 140 N

Wednesday, October 20

8:37 a.m. Request for traffic control due to speeders, Leominster Rd.
8:39 a.m. Request for help getting person up that had fallen, Main St.
3:49 p.m. Caller requesting officer to store to make delivery person leave, Hubbardston Rd.
7:51 p.m. Police remove deceased porcupine from Mountain Rd.
8:46 p.m. Request for police to help with people who came to her door asking for directions, E. Princeton Rd.

Thursday, October 21

3:18 p.m. Person received package in mail that had been tampered with, Bullard Rd.

Friday, October 22

3:45 p.m. Two buses held up by work trucks, Wheeler Rd.
6:43 p.m. Suspicious flashlights inside house, Mirick Rd.
7:21 p.m. Yellow Labrador wandering, Hubbardston Rd.

Saturday, October 23

3:17 p.m. Horse loose on Rte. 140 headed toward Leominster Rd.
10:45 p.m. Public service, check apartment unit where someone is hearing noises, Boylston Ave.

Rutland

Monday, October 18

9:10 a.m. Report of abandoned animals at home, E. County Rd.
1:52 p.m. Person at station to speak with officer about person who gave him bad time while fishing, White Hall Rd.
2:57 p.m. Person picked up dog in middle of Rte. 122 near Oakham line
4:56 p.m. Person requests police assistance getting someone off his property, Barre Paxton Rd.
6:22 p.m. While out feeding chickens, person found turkeys there, E. County Rd.

Tuesday, October 19

11:56 p.m. Person moved out and left cats behind, Maple Ave.
3:09 p.m. Several cats at property, E. County Rd.
5:18 p.m. Male hitchhiking near pond, Pommogussett Rd.
6:00 p.m. Male standing outside holding sign that says business owner "ripped him off," Barre Paxton Rd.
7:18 p.m. Person at station turning in game system, Main St.
10:31 p.m. Vehicle parked in front of business, Main St. No one around
10:59 p.m. Suspicious vehicle, Glenwood Rd.
11:48 p.m. Assist Princeton PD looking for male wearing black hoodie. Unknown if weapon involved, Princeton line

Wednesday, October 20

11:00 a.m. Dog hit, Pommogussett Rd. Dog taken to vet
12:00 p.m. Council on Aging bus driver being tailgated, Pleasantdale Rd.
2:10 p.m. Youths near basketball court smoking, Main St.
3:50 p.m. Vehicle parked at head of rail trail for several weeks. Belongs to someone who commutes and leaves vehicle there every day
8:35 p.m. Trash on Pommogussett Rd. Name of owner found and will clean it up

Thursday, October 21

12:49 a.m. Suspicious parked vehicle, Barre Paxton Rd.
9:18 a.m. Large black dog on porch of home, Pleasantdale Rd.
1:22 p.m. Boy Scouts hiking Mid-State Trail, leaving cars parked near Long Pond
2:52 p.m. Stray cats in yard, Maple Ave.
8:38 p.m. Suspicious vehicle pulled to side of Barre Paxton Rd.

Saturday, October 23

8:02 a.m. Caller wanting to know if Turkey Hill Trl. is private, vehicle blocking roadway
3:34 p.m. Person wants officer to check mold in basement she states is result of DPW work in area, Oakridge Rd.

Sunday, October 24

7:06 a.m. Person locked out of vehicle, Main St.
8:36 a.m. Report of strange odor in neighborhood, Valley View Cir.
11:35 a.m. Loose cow, Pleasantdale Rd. Is tethered and fine
1:48 p.m. Caller requests police for out-ofcontrol female, Valley View Cir.
11:42 p.m. Loose hound dog in yard, Maple Ave./Memorial Dr.

Sterling

Monday, October 18

1:39 a.m. West Boylston PD out with vehicle that struck two deer, Redemption Rock Trl./I-190
6:36 a.m. Deer that struck vehicle in roadway, Pratts Jct. Rd./Linda's Way
7:55 a.m. Suspicious green van in area for long period of time, Clinton Rd.
10:21 a.m. Animal control officer left Have-A-Heart traps for feral cats, Goulding Rd.
2:49 p.m. State police received call regarding male near the off ramp exposing himself, pants down around ankles, Rtes. 140/I-190
6:14 p.m. Request to speak with officer about ongoing property damage to fence, scarecrow found on street, Oakwood Dr.

Tuesday, October 19

12:22 p.m. Passerby dropped off Cocker spaniel found wandering on Chace Hill Rd.
4:21 p.m. Female's sister sprayed Scrubbing Bubbles in her eyes during argument, Kitchener Rd.

Wednesday, October 20

10:54 a.m. Intoxicated male sitting in yard, Newell Hill Rd.

Thursday, October 21

7:32 a.m. Residential lockout, Lesley Ln.
12:02 p.m. Missing Chihuahua/husky mix, Water St.

Friday, October 22

7:19 a.m. Black bear on deck at bird feeders during night, Birch Dr.

Saturday, October 23

10:38 a.m. Small black dog running loose, Malvern Hill/Kendall Hill Rds.
12:07 p.m. Spaniel/cocker mix dog running in roadway, Lakeshore Dr.
12:21 p.m. Turkey vulture with broken wing in yard, Kendall Hill Rd. Advised to call Fish & Wildlife
3:15 p.m. Multiple calls about horse running loose, Beaman Rd.
7:01 p.m. Suspicious male dressed in black at back door of home, Redstone Hill Rd. Ran away when light shined on him
8:59 p.m. Truck with loud generator at home, Bean Rd.

Sunday, October 24

12:08 p.m. Dead tabby cat in roadway, Chocksett Rd.
9:58 p.m. Caller concerned she hasn't heard from fiancé since Friday. Found to be working all weekend, Leominster Rd.

On the train to sanity

What happens when an unexpected number of reasonable people show up at our nation's capital? We move slowly, tell stories, gently chastise those who misbehave, make witty quips, and have a very good time. We probably didn't change Washington very much or even create something that's repeatable in another place or time. We had a very good time with a lot of other people doing the same.
We arrived in town on Friday and toured a few of the sights in Washington. At each turn, we chatted with enthusiastic folk who had traveled short and long distances. We met a young couple from Fargo at the Natural History museum and talked with a woman and her niece from New Jersey. All were eager and, above all, hopeful.
Sandra's cousin, Arnold and his wife, Jane, live in northern Virgina and hosted us for the weekend. When Jane brought us to the Metro station, the line was an hour-and-a-half long. We talked with a family from Georgia, a quirky dude who'd driven from Wisconsin, and a Newton emigrant. Wisconsin Dude's mother called twice, making sure that he was ok and asking what he'd had for breakfast.
Even after we were inside the station, the line stretched out for probably two hours behind us.We found our way to the trains and watched packed car after packed car passed us by.
We seized upon an idea shared by several hundred others, grabbing an outbound train and making the return trip. Finally, we were moving in cozy intimacy with many good-natured passengers. I chatted with a woman who'd earned her master's at WPI, a group of guys from Kentucky, and sundry others.
Wisconsin Dude's day was starting to slip. When we reached the Federal Triangle station, we last saw him trying to walk up the down escalator and in an unpleasant conversation with a no-nonsense transit cop.
At the edges of the crowd, people were camped out, Woodstock-style. We'd already figured out that there were many more people than the organizers had anticipated. We moved forward, sideways, forward again, in rivulets through the masses.

If the crowd was, as CBS estimated, more than 200,000, we stood at the 120,000 person mark, too far back to hear anything but the loudest moments. Stewart told the crowd, "If we amplify everything, we hear nothing." The trouble was, we couldn't hear him say that. The loudspeakers were too few and too far away. We chanted as though we were at an AARP convention: "Louder! Louder! Louder!"
I posted a few tweets, but only a few; the available bandwidth in the ether was jammed by everyone else doing the same. 
It's like a football game. You get a much better understanding of the event by watching television. The experience in the crowd is something else altogether. What you see and hear gives you more insight about yourself and others than it does about the game being  played.

Our view of sanity

In a crowd of that size, local ecosystems develop. A guy tried to climb a tree.
"Yes, you can," shouted the crowd. "Yes, you can."
And, when he slipped back to the ground, we continued the affirmation. "No, you can't. No, you can't."
The assembled sanity-seekers tried to figure out what was being said. We knew it was important, as though we were listening the Sermon on the Mount.The news choppers flew overhead. "Helicopter, be quiet!" shouted one guy.
We welcomed back Yusuf Islam. The moment let us set aside his past difficult comments because his anthemic Peace Train was the right song for this moment. We needed Ozzy because he's still alive against all of the laws of physics and chemistry. We sing along with the O'Jays, even though their song, Love Train, is most often heard as in an commercial for an alleged beer.
When it was time to go, we meandered back to the train, tired and pleased. I wish I could say that we had been at the place and time when sanity began. I wish a lot of things. Wishing is good. Even if the specific wishes don't come true, we clear away some of the clutter and are on the lookout for good things that in our lives already.