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Chief O’Connell is pleased to announce that a team of assessors from the Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission is scheduled to arrive on May 14, 2024, to begin examining various aspects of the Winchester Police Department’s policies and procedures, operations and facilities.  

Verification by the Assessment Team that the Department meets the Commission’s standards is part of a voluntary process to gain state Accreditation — a self-initiated evaluation process by which police departments strive to meet and maintain standards that have been established for the profession, for the profession.

Achieving Accreditation is a highly prized recognition of law enforcement professional excellence.  Anyone interested in learning more about this program is invited to call (Chief O’Connell or the Department’s Accreditation Manager Sergeant Mike DeRosa).

The Winter Parking Ban is an effect.  Vehicles parked on the street between 1:00 AM and 7:00 AM are subject to fines.  Any vehicles parked on the street during a snow emergency may be fined and towed.

For residents who live in or around the center of town, vehicles can be parked, overnight, in the Jenks lot and in the non metered spaces on Aberjona Drive.  Those vehicles MUST be moved prior to businesses opening in the morning.

The Winchester Police Department, Massachusetts State Police and the Middlesex County District Attorney ‘s Office are investigating an attempted sexual assault that took place this morning in the Middlesex Fells. Multiple agencies are currently in the area assisting with the investigation.  See Twitter @WINCHESTER_PD for more information when it becomes available.

The Winchester Police Department is warning residents of a scam that targets elderly grandparents.

How it Works:

An elder receives a phone call from an unfamiliar number

The scammer, who usually identifies himself as a lawyer , informs the elder that their grandchild is in jail, usually for injuring a victim in  a car accident and the grandchild needs bail money. A variation is the scammer pretends to be the grandchild and asks directly for the bail money.

The lawyer instructs the elder to respond to their bank and withdraw several thousand dollars in cash for bail money.

The scammer informs the elder that a court official or courier will come to their home to pick up the bail money.

The scammer could also request the money be wired to them and will assist with instructions on that process.

Strategies:

Hang up on the caller

Don’t withdraw any money

Report the call to a trusted family member and the police.

Be aware of this scam and variations of it.

During the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Winchester Police Department is asking for assistance from residents.  While we are open every day, 24/7,we will be limiting access to our building to the general public.  If you require records, email Jennifer Rolli in our records department at jrolli@winchesterpd.org and after preparing your request, the records will be left at our front desk or can be emailed to you.

If you require assistance during an emergency, dial 911 and the Winchester Police Department will respond accordingly as usual.  

With tax season upon us, The Winchester Police Department would like to remind residents to be extra vigilant when it comes to identity theft and fraud. Remember, The IRS, FBI, Social Security Administration,  sheriff’s departments, local police departments or any other government agency will NEVER ask you to pay fines or taxes with Home Depot or iTunes or ANY other gift card.  Nor will they ask you to purchase MoneyGrams or by wire funds via Western Union.

Most banks and corporations will not call you and ask you to provide them with your Social Security number, though some institutions may ask you to confirm only the last 4 digits of it.  Your bank will not call you and request you to give them your account information.  If it really is your bank calling you, they will already have that  information.   If you receive such a call from any company or government agency, ask the caller for a reference number and then call them back with a phone number you locate on your own and can confirm is legitimate.  Don’t use the number the caller provided you unless you have independently confirmed it is a legitimate number.

Most  government agencies and private businesses have websites that will provide legitimate ways of contacting them.    Legitimate institutions are aware that this type of fraud exists.  If they are trying to reach you, they will understand if you tell them you will call back after doing your due diligence.

Most importantly, if something doesn’t seem right, it probably isn’t!  Go with your instinct!  Below, find a link to some resources to assist you in protecting yourself and helping you if you do become a victim.

Internet Fraud

Identity Theft

WINCHESTER — Chief Peter MacDonnell reports that the Town of Winchester has issued a snow emergency for the town starting tomorrow.

The snow emergency will be in effect from Thursday, Feb. 9 at 12 p.m. through 8 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 10.

The snow emergency declaration includes the following rules and regulations:

• All residents are advised not to travel during these hours if at all possible.
• All parked vehicles are to be removed from the public roads and onto private property to allow for snow removal.
• Any vehicle unable to park on private property can park at the Town Hall/Jenks Center parking lot (109 Skillings Road) or the Aberjona Drive parking lot (off of Waterfield Road and near Winchester Center train station) for the duration of the storm.
• Any vehicle not removed from the roadway will be subject to ticket, tow, or both.
“As the ice turns to slush before the impending storm tomorrow, please clear sidewalks and driveways to avoid a slick buildup,” Chief MacDonnell said. “Be aware of steep drops in temperature tonight and tomorrow morning, and limit your driving.”

Chief MacDonnell and the Winchester Police Department offer the following safety tips for residents during and after the snow falls:

• When shoveling snow or walking outside for more than a few minutes, dress appropriately, with exposed skin covered, and wear a hat and gloves.
• Ensure that your home or business sidewalks are properly shoveled, and place salt or ice melt to prevent people from falling.
• Help out the Winchester Fire Department by shoveling out your nearest fire hydrant.
• ALWAYS clear the tailpipe of a vehicle that is buried in snow BEFORE you start or warm up the vehicle. Failure to do so can be fatal for those inside the vehicle.
• Keep stocks of batteries on hand for radios and flashlights in case of a power outage.
• Never use your oven as a heat source
• Do not use space heaters while sleeping
• Keep space heaters at least 3 feet away from bedding or combustible materials.
For emergencies, dial 911 or contact the Winchester Police Department at 781-729-1212.

For snow removal issues please contact the Winchester Department of Public Works at 781-721-7100.

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Investigation into Assault, Attempted Abduction of 10-Year-Old Girl Leads Police to Suspect

Winchester – Chief Kenneth C. Albertelli reports that the Winchester Police Department, investigating an attack on a 10-year-old girl, will seek charges against the same sexual assault suspect arrested last week by the Boston Police Department.

The Department is expected to shortly announce charges against a 36-year-old Westwood man who was arrested in Boston on Sunday for an attack in the Fenway neighborhood. Police allege that the suspect attacked and tried to abduct a 10-year-old girl on Saturday, one day before he was taken into custody.

On Saturday, Sept.19, 2015 at approximately 4:20 p.m., Winchester Police responded to Skillings Field by the walk through tunnel for a report of an assault on a child. Upon arrival, the child reported that she was approached by a white male with scruffy facial hair.

The suspect allegedly asked the girl if she knew what time it was and she said she did not know. The suspect then walked away through the tunnel toward Spruce Street, but reappeared a short time later while the girl was walking through the tunnel and placed his hand over her mouth and picked her up off of the ground. The girl kicked and tried to yell and she was eventually able to get away from the man. She ran out onto the field and approached a group of adults and told them about the incident, who then called police and the girl’s parents.

Police conducted a thorough search of the area, but were unable to locate the suspect.

An investigation was launched, and footage was taken from multiple surveillance cameras. The investigation quickly pointed to the suspect.

This appears to be an isolated incident, and no other types of incidents like have been reported in the region.

“This is a very disturbing case in which a man allegedly attacked a young girl,” Chief Albertelli said. “Our detectives worked aggressively and diligently to put together a case, and I am grateful that this appears to be an isolated incident. I also want to recognize the victim in this case. Despite a terrible trauma and attempted abduction, this young girl had the presence of mind to fight off her attacker and immediately report what had happened to a group of adults. She is very brave.”

More information will be released when it becomes available. Anyone with additional information on this case is urged to contact the Winchester Police Department at 781-729-1212.

These are allegations. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty.

The Winter Parking Ban is an effect.  Vehicles parked on the street between 1:00 AM and 7:00 AM are subject to fines.  Any vehicles parked on the street during a snow emergency may be fined and towed.

Wanted by Winchester Police Department & Massachusetts State Police, for Armed Assault with Intent to Murder

Matthew McAveeney
Age 46
5’08 250lbs

Do not approach or try to apprehend. Subject is wanted for a violent crime.

Any information on his whereabouts please call Winchester Police at 781-729-1212
(Lieutenant Detective Dan O’Connell) or Mass State Police at 978-538-6020 (Trooper Anthony DeLucia).

Matthew McAveeney