Police Log This Week: Potential Handyman Scam; Car Lost, Then Found

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Below are a selection of entries from the Melrose Police log for Monday, Feb. 28 through Thursday, March 3:

Resident Concerned About Door-to-Door Handyman's Solicitation As Possible Scam

Wednesday, March 2, 4:15 p.m. A Bancroft Road resident reported to Melrose Police that a man came to her door, stating that her roof lashing did not appeared to be installed correctly and offering to return on Monday to give her an estimate for repairing it, Melrose Police Lt. Mark DeCroteau said.

The woman became suspicious of the solicitation and contacted the police. DeCroteau said the man also offered to look at other parts of the house, such as the chimney, and offer his assessment. He left behind a flyer with the woman that police took.

"It’s under investigation to see if he’s a valid contractor," DeCroteau said.

Car Reported Stolen, Then Found

Tuesday, March 1, 9:03 p.m. A man reported from the Melrose Fire Department headquarters that his car had been stolen. Shortly thereafter, DeCroteau said the man "located his car—just misplaced it and found it in a different spot."

Other Incidents

Wednesday, March 2, 11:56 a.m. Graffiti tagging on Franklin Street.

Wednesday, March 2, 6:08 p.m. Report of suspicious male walking down Main Street. Officer reports party was fine, holster was empty.

Wednesday, March 2, 10:48 p.m. Report from Maple Street of harassing phone calls/threats.

Thursday, March 3, 5:10 a.m. Resident of Fuller House on Cottage Street reports harassing phone calls.

Thursday, March 3, 10:33 a.m. Officer responding to a vehicle that struck a mail box on Main Street. USPS notified.

Other Arrests and Summonses

A 30-year-old Melrose man was placed under warrant arrest on Wednesday, March 2.

A 51-year-old Wakefield man was placed in protection custody on Wednesday, March 2.