POWNAL, Vt. — The rash of car break-ins that hit Williamstown, Mass. earlier this month has crossed the border.

Vermont State Police reported Monday 21 reports of unlocked cars being broken into during the weekend. Sergeant Brian Turner said the Vermont Fusion Center, a collaboration of law enforcement agencies, advised police that the two sprees could be linked because of the similarities.

"It could be up to 30 or 40 cars that were broken into," Turner said Monday. "They were all unlocked."

Similar to the Williamstown, Mass. break-ins, locked cars were not touched, items are being found on the side of the road near the incident and the stolen items range from money to electronics to personal items.

The thefts occurred between midnight and 6 a.m. Sunday on Barber Pond, Puddingstone, Middle Pownal, and Maple Grove roads.

"We're getting some tips in that we have to follow up on and we do have suspects," Turner said. "It's kind of like they are walking and just taking what they want." Earlier this month,

Williamstown, Mass. Police Chief Kyle Johnson said 22 unlocked vehicles were broken into and money, electronics – like GPS systems and digital cameras – and personal items were stolen. In some cases, personal effects were found on the roadside a short distance away.

According to Johnson, the vehicles were entered overnight in 16 locations including Main Street, North Street, Lindley Terrace, Buckley Street, Jamieson Heights, Porter Street, Belden Street, Henderson Road, North Hoosac Road, Sand Springs Road, Summer Street and Walnut Street.

Williamstown Experiences Slew of Vehicle Break-ins

Original Post: By: Staff Reports On: 11:26AM / Monday April 04, 2011

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Police continue to field reports of stolen items from unlocked cars during the weekend.

Police Chief Kyle Johnson said as of Monday 22 unlocked vehicles were broken into over the weekend and reports keep coming. Money, electronics - like GPS systems and digital cameras - and personal items were stolen. In some cases, personal effects were found on the roadside a short distance away.

Johnson said police currently do not have any leads in finding the culprit and asks that suspicious activity is reported immediately.

According to Johnson, the vehicles were entered overnight in 16 locations around town, including Main Street, North Street, Lindley Terrace, Buckley Street, Jamieson Heights, Porter Street, Belden Street, Henderson Road, North Hoosac Road, Sand Springs Road, Summer Street and Walnut Street.

Police are urging residents to remove all valuables and secure their vehicles.

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Williamstown Police have received five reports of cars being broken into on Candlewood Drive.

Residents reported that electronic equipment and other items were stolen from their vehicles during the overnight of Tuesday and Wednesday, Aug. 31 and Sept. 1. All of the vehicles were unlocked at the time of the thefts.

Police are advising all residents and visitors to remove valuable items from their vehicles and lock their doors. "Although not a regular occurrence, these incidents are not unfamiliar to Williamstown," said Sgt. Scott McGowan.

Locking car doors may serve as a deterrent to a person who would rather not gain attention by smashing a window and creating a loud noise, which would alert a resident.

Any suspicious activities should be reported to the Williamstown Police immediately by calling 413-458-5733 or 911.

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The North Adams Police Department is warning North Berkshire residents that a couple of home-improvement scammers are on the loose.

Police say two people posing as roofing contractors are telling homeowners that they've done work on their homes before. They gain access purportedly to check the house for any visible water leaks in the ceiling. One gets into the house with the owner, makes sure no one else is home, then asks the homeowner to walk around the exterior to survey for any roof damage

While the owner is occupied, the second scammer searches the house for cash and valuables.
 
Police report one victim to this scam in the North Adams area. The suspect who approached the victim used the name of Billy Wood. When he left the house, he got into the passenger side of a silver pickup truck with tinted windows driven by a second suspect.

Anyone with information about the scammers or who may have been approached by individuals offering a simiar story, is urged to contact their local police agency. Business numbers for county police departments can be found on the righthand side of the Blotter.