Clarksburg/Stamford Burglaries

Tammy Daniels 03:10AM / Sunday November 15, 2009

Over the past six weeks, nearly a dozen burglaries and attempted burglaries have occurred in the two towns. While there's no evidence the perpetrator's been the same in all the incidents, one suspect has been indentified as being at or near several of the more recent ones.

The suspect is described as wearing a black, hooded sweat shirt, sneakers and baggy jeans. He may be alone or working with someone in a vehicle. The majority of the break-ins have been during the day; at least one has occurred at night.

A number of homeowners have reported someone similar in description to the suspect as knocking on doors and claiming to have lost a dog. Police say this may be a method of casing the house to see if someone's home.

More information on Stamford can be found under "Stamford Vermont Crime Watch" on Facebook. For further information, check the Facebook page or contact Clarksburgcw@gmail.com or Stamfordcw@gmail.com.

Update on 11/15/2009 at 8:25 p.m.: According to the Stamford Crime Watch, the North Adams Police say they know who the individual is, but do not have enough evidence to arrest him. He reportedly has a girlfriend who acts as a spotter. She is described as attractive, thin, about 5-foot-5 and weighs approximately 115 pounds, with brown shoulder-length hair.

Meeting Set for Stamford/Clarksburg Crime Watch

Update 11/16/2009: Clarksburg Police say the Pittsfield man arrested last week in Lenox has been linked to at least two burglaries in Clarksburg. The MO of the alleged burglar also is similar to that of two burglaries carried out in Stamford, Vt.

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Tags: break-ins, suspect, crime watch

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GREAT MEETING! from: People helping on: 11-14-2009 ________________________________________________ What a great meeting! It was amazing to see the "standing room only" crowd. It is terrific to see our communities pull together to help each other. There was so helpful information being shared on how we can help each and ourselves, I am very grateful. A big thank you to whoever organized the meeting, excellent job! I didn't even mind standing for the entire 1 1/2 hours! Bottom line is this: Criminals will be flushed out of our communities no "ifs", "ands" or "buts" from: Attendee on: 11-14-2009 _________________________________________________ Person matching description believed to be in the woods around Pine Ave/Fieldwood Drive area. Posting this at 4:04pm on Saturday. Person matching description was seen walking on middle road then was gone from sight. Police have been called. UPDATE: Person has been questioned. No further details available. from: Crime Watcher on: 11-14-2009 _____________________________________________ See you today at the meeting! from: join the group on: 11-14-2009 ________________________________________________ News: Be on the look-out for a small silver car driving suspiciously in your neighborhood! Get the plate numbers... then call #911 if you see this vehicle. Seen (Clarksburg) last Thursday (near dark) picking people up on the side of the road..... and this Thursday (day-time) driving through neighborhoods. from: on the look-out on: 11-13-2009 ___________________________________________________ Got a tip? Do you have a tip that could help police solve these crimes in Clarksburg.... ?????? IF SO please call the non-emergency Clarksburg Police # at (413)663-7795 and leave a message with details for Officer Williams! from: Tip the POLICE on: 11-13-2009 ________________________________________________ One house was broken into on a Saturday afternoon.... so I am not so sure he is doing with a method, but rather... whoever leaves their house empty. And yes, they are in the same general area. All with woods to walk through. Call 911 if you see someone cutting through yards and the woods that matches the description. Better yet- take a picture with the time and date! Then simply send that into the police. Those are the small details and tips that help. from: Sightings on: 11-13-2009 _________________________________________________ From my understanding there were three houses in Clarksburg that were broken into that are all in close proximity to each other. I would think that Clarksburg police would take that into consideration. Maybe someone close to these three houses knows when these people work. from: Jus a thought on: 11-13-2009 ____________________________________________________ I would just like to say Thank You! To everyone that has called in their sightings and information on suspicious behavior. Your small details HAVE helped. You all know who you are. Keep on the look out. Oh and yes! USE YOUR DIGITAL CAMERA of the vehicals and people walking by that should not be in your neighborhood. Take a picture. Print it out or put it on disk. And give it to officer Williams. He can use that information. Some of the past breakins have never been solved and may not be this 1 guy. Your picture of the van, car, 20 year old walking through the woods or on your street... could solve other cases. PLEASE START TO USE YOUR DIGITAL CAMERA. Submit your photos down at the Town Hall to the police. Or call Williams and leave a message for him to come and pick the photos up. He is so happy to have all of you helping him. Let's try to have a Happy Holiday Season and get this guy out of our back yards, off our streets and out of our homes! from: Idea Man on: 11-13-2009 _________________________________________________ TO THE PERSON WHO KNOWS WHO IT IS: My gosh....PLEASE help us! Your information would be so helpful to us right now. We have over 25 innocent townspeople who are victims in the past 3 weeks who are hurting, emotionally, financially and mentally. It is worth telling what you know on the answering machine at the Clarksburg Town Hall. Call after hours and leave a message. I left a message at 10PM anonymously as a tip. Clarksburg Police Non-Emergency Number is (413) 663-7795 (program it into your cell phone) No one picks up the phone at night. The last voice mail box is Cheif Officer Williams. Leave him a message, at the end. Say you would like to remain anonymous. At least you will give him a lead and a tip. He is working so hard for us right now. You have no idea. He needs more information. He could possibly build off of what you give. Maybe he can follow up on some information and check it out. You could be our anonymous Town Hero. Think about it...you may be able to save us! You could save the next home that gets broken into with small children at home. Can you please help us!? Please Scared but Know - HELP US! In any small way you can. Think about this... if you don't say what you know and he does not stop or get caught he will run out of houses to break into around here...eventually yours will be one he has not got and will need to do. No one is safe or immune from break-ins. You will feel free of the guilt of knowing without doing anything- if you call in your information about what you know and how. We are sending you strength and love! You can do this! And the town will be by your side, even if you remain anonymous. We will be praying for you to do the right thing for us. from: Support on: 11-13-2009 _________________________________________________ I live on Mill Rd and understand the fear and anger that many feel, especially those whose homes have been violated. It has been a great feeling to live in this town where until now I have never been concerned or fearful over such things. I hope those days are not over for good. I also ask everyone not to think first of guns, which seem like an overreaction to the threat and likely to cause far worse problems. The whole thing of the person suspiciously asking about a lost dog got me thinking about last summer when a friend asked us to watch her dogs and they were tied up but escaped and ran off and I was following them through the neighborhood. So what I'm saying is one shouldn't jump to conclusions. That or something similar could make an innocent person look suspicious, and violence would be a terrible outcome in a situation like that. Anyway that is my opinion. This person is obviously deserves to be caught and stopped; just remember that jail is is very potent punishment. Perhaps a camera is the better tool. Most of us have one, some on a cell phone that is always close by. If you see a suspicious stranger, take a picture and give it to the police and maybe we can identify the person. For now it seems like a good idea to stay alert and maybe say a prayer. from: Joseph Tracy on: 11-12-2009 ___________________________________________________ This is response to the person Sightings: Were you the one who saw that man? If so did you call the police? If you didn't call, how come you didn't? Your telling us to keep and eye out and call if we see something why not you? And if you weren't the one who saw him, do you know if the person who did see him called and what may have happened? I am mainly asking because I would like to know if the police even showed up and what they may have done or what you may have seen. Thanks for the tip though, I am keeping my eyes/ears out and doing what I can. Let's just stick together and maybe we can catch this person/s! from: Upset on: 11-12-2009 __________________________________________________ Editor: Agree with Upset. Posting sightings is great but brief, complete information is better. The basic rules for reporting are who, what, when & where - with a how or why thrown in as needed. That helps everyone. _________________________________________________ OK FOLKS. We have recent sightings of the person matching the description today and yesterday. Yesterday he was seen walking down the road carrying the black sweatshirt. Today he was seen "cutting through" the golf course carrying something in his arms. People near there check for your belongings. You may not realize your house has been robbed. If anyone sees someone matching the descriptions, please call 911. And post here so we can stay informed. from: Sightings on: 11-12-2009 _________________________________________________ Editor: Which golf course?* _______________________________________________ I don't want to make this into a personal debate either. However, self defense does not mean shooting an unarmed individual. I think that is law 101 except for maybe Texas. Enough said, we just disagree on the way to handle the problem. from: reply to vigilante on: 11-12-2009 ________________________________________________ Editor: I agree on not making this commentator against commentator. I'd also like to thank everyone for keeping to the topic. We here at iBerkshires want our posting sections to be informative and participatory. We enjoy a good debate - but not personal attacks. Thanks, too, to those who have provided information on recent break-ins. We depend on the community to help us keep everyone informed. If anyone has ideas on how iBerkshires can better keep the community updated, post here or drop us an e-mail at tdaniels@iberkshires.com. We'll also be at the meeting on Saturday. from: Editor on: 11-12-2009 ________________________________________________ I don't want to make this commenter against commenter like the crap on Topix - so one last post and then Mill Road Resident can have the last word if they like. I have checked with the police and shooting someone in your house in self-defense is not a crime in Vt. I would have no intention of killing the person, the government trained me to be a very accurate shot. Shooting someone who breaks into my house is not about the material items, its about protecting my family. I have no moral issues with shooting a person who is attempting to do harm to me or my family. I agree with you on the speeding, but taking a stand and protecting one's family is more important on my scale. OK, that's all. from: Stamford Vigilante on: 11-12-2009 ________________________________________________ I don't know if they can do that... but most people leaving comments on the transcript article that ran yesterday seem to know who he is.... I wish we could do something about this guy OURSELVES! from: on: 11-12-2009 ______________________________________________ Just wondering if the cops can check out known criminals, who have records, who live him the area, whose history is filled with break-ins? Just to see what they've been up to lately. I'm sure there must be a few of these people who meet that decription living in the Clarksburg & Stamford area. Just a thought. from: ???? on: 11-11-2009 ___________________________________________ Ok, no meeting tonight. See you all at the November 18th Wednesday Night Clarksburg Town Hall for the Selectman's Meeting. We need help up here. from: on: 11-11-2009 __________________________________________________ How fortunate for the Clarksburg Selectmen that today is a holiday and they don't have to meet. With all of the break-ins taking place, this allows them to keep their collective heads in the sand and blame it on the holiday. Nice work people. No sense in putting together an emergency meeting to discuss this, just keep on doing what you do best, hide. from: How Fortunate on: 11-11-2009 ________________________________________________ Are we to believe that a person (or group of persons) is driving from out of the area to keep breaking into houses all within one mile of each other? C'mon....we may be small town, but we're not that small town. Think locally, act globally! from: Kidding Right? on: 11-11-2009 _______________________________________________ The story finally made it to the Transcript! Imagine that. At least now there is a better chance that the Clarksburg Selectmen will find out what's been going on while they work on new tax and sewer rates! from: Fianlly on: 11-11-2009 ________________________________________________ Confirmed: The 4th breakin of a house in Clarksburg in 10 days. Looks like he is not at all worried about being caught. All 4 in the middle of the day. I wonder if it's time to call in the State Police for help yet or is the strategy to wait until he runs out of houses to breeak into? from: State Police??? on: 11-11-2009 ________________________________________________ Can someone please tell us about the special Clarksburg meeting tonight? Anyone??? from: on: 11-11-2009 __________________________________________________ PEOPLE!!! Wake up! In Clarksburg, we have 4 confirmed break-ins in only the past 10 days! Start watching out for each other! from: on: 11-11-2009 __________________________________________________ I am grasping the concept quite well, and your letter proves my points better than anyone-thank you. Possibly ask the state trooper or a prosecutor what are the legal ramifications of killing someone while they are on your property. You can worry about the moral dilemma after the fact I guess. PS- Yes I do value a living being over possessions so speeding is not a trivial matter. from: again on: 11-11-2009 ________________________________________________ For the Mill Road resident who wants everyone to relax over these home invasions (but makes threats if a dog is hit), I don't think you are grasping the concept. I don't know of anyone who is looking to blast the first person they see walking up the road or someone with a lost key. But should a door get kicked in or a window broken and an unknown person has entered the home - they are the ones who will have the little red dot from a laser site on their body. At that point the unknown person has two choices - heed the warning of not to move or see if they really can outrun a bullet. from: Stamford Vigilante on: 11-11-2009 I would like to know why no one called me to tell me about this? I mean are we neighbors or not??? I have to open up the paper to find this out. Then I call next door and they already know! Why was I left in the dark? Whoever is reading this message call someone you know in clarksburg and tell them what is happening in thier town. Wouldnt you want that done for you? from: Are we friends on: 11-11-2009 __________________________________________________ Another breakin in Clarksburg has been reported. We are unsure of date and location. from: on: 11-11-2009 This is in response to "are you serious" and the comments directed at me. I was posting in reaction to the vigilante type comments by people who are ready to shoot someone. If that is your choice of action it will be your problem, not mine. Who are you to question my use to our community? It is this type of hostile reaction that is not helpful. I am sorry your house was broken in to and no I don't want that to happen to me or anyone. Because I do own a home in Stamford- I could potentially be a victim of these break ins as well, so I am not minimizing the issue. This is upsetting to the community but people still have the right to disagree on how to respond. I am sorry your house was robbed and I hope the person is caught. I did not mean to sound insensitive in any way to such a traumatic event. from: Please people again on: 11-11-2009 ___________________________________________________ Is there a meeting at Clarksburg tonight with police? We are hearing rumors, but no confirmations. Maybe they are referring to the selectman's meeting on Wednesdays? That is not til next week Nov 18t (which we should all go to). Anyone hear this ? from: Question on: 11-11-2009 ___________________________________________________ Sounds like keeping our guns close is the only answer? Where are those police to protect us? They should be doing this work. from: The only answer? on: 11-11-2009 __________________________________________________ Maybe to some people on here pulling a gun sounds crazy but I am not going to take a chance of someone assaulting me or something happening to my children because some idiot wants to take the chance to bust into my home. This is the price you pay when breaking the law. Just like a police officer, when you are in danger you do what you have to to protect yourself. Sorry if violence is the only option. from: on: 11-10-2009 _____________________________________________ Hey everyone, let's stay positive. We need not get upset with each other. We need to stick together as a community. Obviously some people have not talked to the latest victims. If they did they would understand. Or if it happens to them next I am sure they will see things differently. Let's be in allowance of each other. And let's be in allowance of where we all are at. from: This side up on: 11-10-2009 _________________________________________________ The updates are we are trying to get plate numbers of suspicious vehicals. They are much needed. The other updates are we need to tell our neighbors how to call 911 when they see the description of this guy walking through the woods. The updates are we need to get ourselves together. We need to be organized and ready to help each other. Some of you I know are cleaning your guns but we really need specific ID's of who this is and he can be brought to court. The police are telling us that they are doing the best they can. from: Updates on: 11-10-2009 _________________________________________________ Dear People Please, My house was locked and my locked back door was kicked in! You think we should lock our doors??? Are you serious? The last guys house was locked too, and they broke a window! What in the ** are you talking about? You obviously do not have a clue what has been happening around here! How would you like a guy in your bedroom for over 35 minutes stealing your stuff!? And as far as the meeting - it has a clear and productive purpose. I guess you wont be someone that gets the signs or the info on how to protect yourself. Please dont bother calling your neighbor, I can already tell you are useless to this community. from: are you serious? on: 11-10-2009 _________________________________________________ I see alot of people ask, why hasn't anyone been arrested? Well no one has been arrested due to the fact that you can't arrest someone just because you "think" they did it! THEY HAVE TO BE CAUGHT IN THE ACT! So if everyone keeps an eye out for your fellow people, maybe you can finally catch the perp. I am sure the police are doing everything they can in the meantime, but someone HAS TO BE CAUGHT in the act in order for an arrest. Just everyone keep and eye out and help eachother. Hopefully soon justice will be served! from: Two Cents on: 11-10-2009 ___________________________________________________ I live on Mill Road and have been informed by neighbors about the break-ins and I know one of the people (but have not talked to her). I should have been shocked at the vigilante mentality-"I am going to shoot first" comments. But unfortunately I have lived there long enough to know that is Vermont and Stamford. Please call the police, don't fly off the handle and shoot a family/friend who lost their key. Many people walk on the road-RELAX- your possessions are not worth it. Hopefully the suspect will be caught and face charges. We have been victims of theft on a work site but never had such venomous feelings! This is not worth responding with violence. The thing in Stamford that I have noticed (sorry neighbors) is that there are ALOT of retired people with time on their hands and sounds like alot of accusations are flying. We wouldn't want innocent people being harmed-would we?? I actually don't see myself going to this hysteria produced meeting. And just to endear myself to you more- I think I have met the Vt. State trooper in the story and was totally unimpressed as I am with the sheriff. MEANWHILE- could you people (residents included) please STOP speeding on Mill Road before you kill a child or a pet-because then I really will have a problem with someone. Let's just keep locking our doors and being cautious but some of these residents are over the top with their "Old West" shoot first mentality. from: Please people on: 11-10-2009 _________________________________________________ Has anyone heard any updates today? If so, we would appreciate you posting here. Thank you very much. from: Jack C. on: 11-10-2009 _______________________________________________ This story is a perfect example why print media is on life support. Huge hits on this story on iBerkshires and lots of comments. Not a single blurb about this in print. Go iBerkshires! R.I.P Transcript & Eagle. And no, I don't work for iBerkshires, just a regular person who wants to stay up to date with important information. from: Reader on: 11-10-2009 _______________________________________________ Let's face it, the only way these guys are going to be caught is if we are alert. It is up to the citizens to look out for themselves and their neighbors. I find it pathetic that Vermont State Police are being seen in Stamford but in Clarksburg the Ma. State Police apparently have not been called in yet. I guess Clarksburg must think they have it under control in spite of another daytime break-in yesterday. from: Am I Next? on: 11-10-2009 ________________________________________________ People get those vehical license plate numbers and call them in. That's what the cops need. from: on: 11-10-2009 ________________________________________________ I also saw this man walking on Main Rd. in Stamford carrying a very large backpack. Looked very weird but had my child in the truck. Fortunately the State Police were parked right next to the school at 3:00 yesterday. He was headed right in that direction, I hope this police officer did question him. I was very shocked to see the State Police in our town. from: on: 11-10-2009 _______________________________________________ YES! Clarksburg residents ... why are you not at your town meetings? Go to the one Nov18th! Hiding out in your house is not going to stop this from happening. You leave to get groceries at noon and you could come home to a B&E! They do it here in broad daylight to ANY empty home. End of street, middle of busy intersection- it does not matter! Get yourself involved. from: Fed up more on: 11-10-2009 ________________________________________________ Clarksburg & Stamford Governments, how many more break-ins have to happen before you stand up and face the situation? Hiding out at your homes and waiting for everything to pass is not leadership, it's cowardness. As paid town officials, perhaps you should be driving around the town looking out for the very residents who pay the taxes in these towns to keep goverment running. I read where the Stamford Selectmen held a meeting about this. At least they did that. Clarksburg, what have you done? Oh yeah, that's right, nothing. Regular meeting coming up on the 18th, maybe you can discuss another raise in the sewer user tax. That's easy to do. from: Fed Up on: 11-10-2009 ________________________________________________ Editor: Instead of complaining here, why don't you call the town office and ask for this to be put on next meeting's agenda? __________________________________________________ PEOPLE OF STAMFORD AND CLARKSBURG start going to your open town meetings! You need help from your local governments. from: Resident on: 11-10-2009 ________________________________________________ PLEASE EVERYONE, keep reporting these things to each other. This is the only way to scare him out. We need licence plates and ID's. We need him to know we are watching otherwise he will be next. Thank you to everyone who provided a report. From the bottom of our hearts- Stamford/Clarksburg Residents from: Keep reporting on: 11-10-2009 ______________________________________________ I'm posting this to let everyone know that I called the Benn. Sheriff's today 11-9-09 because there was a man walking up the Main RD(north toward the school) around 1pm. He was wearing a black coat/blk backpack/blk cowboy hat. I have never seen this man in town before. The Sherriff's told me they would send some down. I don't know for sure if they did. WE ALL NEED TO KEEP AN EYE OUT!! from: concerned resident on: 11-09-2009 _________________________________________________ This needs to be in the Transcript! Why is other media not helping us to get the word out? Where is all the help for us? We are just waiting for the next house in town? IT COULD BE YOU! Where are the police? from: Victim on: 11-09-2009 __________________________________________________ We have heard that another break-in did take place this afternoon in Clarksburg. IT IS NOT A RUMOR. IT IS FACT. During the day, at a very busy section of town. from: Update on: 11-09-2009 _______________________________________________ I am wondering if the Town of Clarksburg Selectmen ever read iBerkshires. Judging by their official lack of response, I'm guessing they don't. So typical. from: ? on: 11-09-2009 _______________________________________________ If the last poster is correct, we're talking "middle of the day, middle of the town" Right up the street from the school for God's sake. I heard one of last week's break-ins happened on a Saturday afternoon! Now I understand the vigilante talk. Makes perfect sense to me. It is almost "hunting" season isn't it? from: Shocked.... on: 11-09-2009 ________________________________________________ C'mon local police, get the State Police involved. Enough is enough. We understand you are understaffed, overworked and underbudgeted. We all get it. There is nothing wrong with admitting that help is needed. Make the call, ask the State Police to help. It is what is best for everyone. There is no shame in asking for additional help. We all respect the work you do, but you need more resources. How many more break-ins are going to happen before help is brought in? from: Angry Taxpayer on: 11-09-2009 ________________________________________________ We heard it was right at the intersection of Cross Rd. and Middle Rd. I feel so bad for us. We are just waiting to be next around this town. from: Not sure on: 11-09-2009 ____________________________________________________ We are sitting ducks! ANOTHER BREAKIN???? COME ON from: on: 11-09-2009 ________________________________________________ Update !!! There is a report of another daytime breakin in Clarksburg TODAY! Breakin occured today (Monday), in the middle of the day, central location in town! More details as they become available! Editor: Any information will be greatly appreciated by iBerkshires readers. from: UPDATE ! on: 11-09-2009 _________________________________________________ ANOTHER BREAKIN IN CLARKSBURG TODAY! (middle of the day) from: ANOTHER on: 11-09-2009 ___________________________________________________ It says this....... Stamford/Clarksburg Crime Watch Meeting ALL CITIZENS ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND!! Protect your home and family! Help your neighbors! Please call 911 IMMEDIATELY if you see anyone suspicious in your neighborhood! Break-ins are associated with both vehicles and people on foot. Please report suspicious vehicles-(write down license plate number and state) Also note the date, time, color, make/model. Most importantly provide the police a LICENSE PLATE NUMBER. Please call immediately if you see anything suspicious happening. # (911) The non-emergency contact numbers: Vermont State Police (802) 442-5421 Clarksburg Police (413) 663-7795 Meeting Place: Stamford Valley Golf Course Time: 1:00PM – 3:00PM Date: Saturday, November 14th WHAT CAN YOU DO ABOUT THIS? STAMFORD/CLARKSBURG COMMUNITY WATCH PROGRAM STARTS NOW! (by residents) We URGE you to COME to the meeting. Find out exactly what has been happening in our towns! Find out what you can do to protect yourself from break-ins! Leave your email address to get community alerts! Share your concern. PROTECT YOUR HOME! Caution: DO NOT leave your house UNATTENDED to come to the meeting. Please leave at least 1 person home. from: Got a flyer on: 11-09-2009 _________________________________________________ I have not heard of any arrests being made in these cases, has anyone else? Perhaps a victim can respond with a simple yes or no. To my knowledge, the answer is no. from: Wondering??? on: 11-09-2009 _________________________________________________ What! He is still out there? from: on: 11-09-2009 _______________________________________________ Many townspeople are stating that they have seen a person matching the State Troopers description recently. He seems to be on foot. Both along the road and cutting through yards and woods. I am hearing that people in Clarksburg have seen the same type activity. Please stay alert, both for your home and your neighbors. Call it in if you see something that is out of place. The police don't mind checking things out for us. Whether it is Stamford or Clarksburg, we are all neighbors. from: Stamford Townie on: 11-09-2009 ________________________________________________ Thank you Tammy and the Editor's here at iBerkshires.com. There are so many of us victims that felt helpless and now you have given us a sense of community strength! There is hope. from: on: 11-09-2009 _______________________________________________ Larry- great work at WUPE 100.1FM reporting this to our entire community (all day)! Thank you! from: Listener on: 11-09-2009 ________________________________________________ I just heard the story on 100.1 WUPE radio. Great information. Our voices are being heard people. This is a true grass roots movement. from: Listening on: 11-09-2009 ________________________________________________ YES, thank you iberkshires, and and especially tammy for being being one of the only reporters to cover stories like this one. you are awesome at your job! from: on: 11-09-2009 _______________________________________________ Everyone, I just heard this story on WUPE radio, 100.1! Thank you, thank you, thank you, to iberkshires for getting this story out there and to everyone who keeps spreading the word. I feel so sorry for the people who have had breakins at their homes. If we can continue to get the word out and look out for each other these bums will be caught. Please spread the word about the upcoming meeting at SVGC. Great job iberkshires, and now WUPE. Question, where are the Transcript and the Eagle on this? I also don't know why Police Calls are no longer printed in the newspaper but they were a great way to know what activity was taking place and when. Editor: A lot of people have asked why the police log is no longer in the paper. In part it's because of the way they're recorded on computer. They can be difficult to read because of the amount of information and have to be reformatted and typed up in a way that makes sense. That means somebody's got to do it and there aren't a lot of somebodies left in newsrooms. from: Citizen on Alert on: 11-09-2009 ________________________________________________ Thank you WUPE 100.1 FM! We are so happy you are covering this story all day! -from your faithful listeners and residents of Stamford and Clarksburg from: on: 11-09-2009 ________________________________________________ I would just like to express my worry about the number of residents that are overeagar to simply shoot this criminal if he attempts their house. We should not take the law into our hands. After talking to a few friends in Stamford that mentioned the same thing (simply putting a quick end to this guy), I realized that many people are just ready to shoot him. That worries me. I wish we could avoid an innocent resident from going to jail by catching this thief. It would be another unfairness should this happen. Were are the police? from: Worried on: 11-09-2009 ________________________________________________ Did anyone here? This article made our local WHOOPE radio this morning at 6AM. Thank you iBerkshires.com! You are a valuable part of our community. from: on the radio on: 11-09-2009 ________________________________________________ We appreciate everyone spreading the word about this article. This may help our small towns. Probably, more than we could ever know. Maybe someone has more information to give the police that they were hesitant about but now they realize this suspicious person was up to no good? from: Resident on: 11-09-2009 __________________________________________________ Yes, good thing for us! We agree with you about the help that iBerkshires has given our community. Just by putting this in the news they may have saved 10 local homes from being broken into and burglarized. This guy has a full-time job. Part of his job is stealing all our valuable possessions, the second part is selling the stolen property. I imagine he is a busy guy judging from the number of breakins that are being reported in your area. Our prayers go out to you and your families of all the victims of this violating crime. We hope you can at least recover some of your sense of safety and security. from: agreed on: 11-09-2009 _________________________________________________ I must say that I will defend the Stamford/Clarksburg paranoia over these breakings. I heard that the one last Saturday happened in broad daylight! Can you imagine the nerve of this criminal? How would you like to have your house broken into and all your valuables stolen on a weekend (when you are home), and in the middle of the day? I bet it feels awful, especially if 4 of your neighbors saw him running from your house with your stolen things. Those poor residents are losing their minds of this and for good reason. from: Can't believe it on: 11-09-2009 ________________________________________________ Good thing for us that iberkshires ran this story-Hey?.How many of us are now aware of this issue and can protect our homes and family? We should give thanks. Thank you iBerkshires.com! We appreciate your help and understanding. from: good thing for us on: 11-08-2009 ________________________________________________ I have every confidence that the police are going to do the right thing for us! I believe in their ability. Actually, the chief of police for Clarksburg is one of the nicest men I have been privileged to know. Give these guys time to do their jobs. Not only that, but also give them time to do their jobs well. They have expert judgment on how to do the best procedures that we will happy about in the long run. In due time! from: The other side on: 11-08-2009 _________________________________________________ I will agree with one of these posts. Stamford and Clarksburg pay very high taxes. You would think we would have a police officer 24/7 and the school system in Stamford would be a heck of a lot better. Don't blame you Mr. Sarkis for wanting to sell your house and move. Good Luck. from: on: 11-08-2009 __________________________________________________ Boy, it seems like you guys are on high alert. from: Regular Joe on: 11-08-2009 __________________________________________________ Dear Editor, Attendees simply have to give their name and address, (nothing more if they don't want to). If they want to be part of an alert system, they can provide an email address. This is a very common way of understanding who is attending and why. All group meetings take attendance, so calm down. We will have a rep post the official group meeting information soon! Keep checking. Editor: Calm down? OK. Maybe the poster used a poor choice of words. Monitoring attendees and volunteering names for followup aren't the same thing. I also know how meetings are run. from: Response on: 11-08-2009 _______________________________________________ Now that this information is out there, I am writing down all license plate numbers, time of day and descriptions of any vehicles that seem out of place in my area. My neighbors are also watching out for people on foot. One of my neighbors went right outside and asked the person who he was and where he was headed! It turned out okay, but that is the kind of awareness we need. The criminals need to understand we are watching and aware. We will protect and lookout for each other. Keep up the good work people, UNITED WE STAND!!! from: On The Lookout on: 11-08-2009 _______________________________________________ There is going to be a community meeting between the towns of Clarksburg and Stamford. There will be fliers going out and we will be monitoring who attends. Editor: Monitoring who attends? Confronting pedestrians? You guys are starting to scare me.** from: Stamford Info on: 11-08-2009 ________________________________________________ Why did the paper stop putting in the police call log? We want that back! This is part of the reason we did not know about the past 20 break-ins! from: question on: 11-08-2009 _____________________________________________ It is time to put an end to this. I just know this has to happen soon. Otherwise the force will have a much bigger problem dealing with our RAGE. If you reading this- IT IS TIME. Enough is enough. Neighbors do what you can. It is time to call in those things you remember from past days. Suspicious people on your street, suspicious cars, your own break in? Call those in to the police. NOW. We need to help each other out! What are we waiting for???? Get going. UPDATE: I believe there is a meeting taking place Nov 14th 1-3PM by residents at SVGC? I hear that notices will be going out to as many people that can be reached. I think it is called the Stamford/Clarksburg Community Watch. Go to the meeting to get more information! Caution- leave at least 1 person at home to attend. I know that I am definately going to this! YOU SHOULD TOO! - It is time The time has come. from: It is time on: 11-08-2009 _______________________________________________ Hey Living in the Real World... Pay more in TAXES??? Are you serious? Taxes compared to services provided in these small towns are a joke. After reading what you wrote, I'd say that you would make a great public relations representative for the local police department! from: Not At My Home...Yet on: 11-07-2009 _________________________________________________ Well -let's think? How many breakins have occurred in the last month? Then I can tell you how patient we will be. from: Concerned 4 US on: 11-07-2009 _______________________________________________ It's not so easy to make an arrest, you can't just arrest anybody walking down the street. It takes time. Also officers can't patrol 24 hours a day in these small towns unless the residents want to pay a lot more in taxes or pay the officers their rate themselves. These things happen and the police are doing the best they can. I know it's an awful feeling to have your home broken into, I know, but people have to be patient and in the end an arrest will be made. from: Living in the real world on: 11-07-2009 Is there a community meeting on this issue? There should BE! from: ready to go on: 11-07-2009 ______________________________________________ When is the next town meeting scheduled!? Editor: They are on the second and fourth Thursday.* from: ready to go on: 11-07-2009 ______________________________________________ I didn't know about this special meeting; it sounds as if very few people did. I agree with those who are saying we need better communicaton in this town. I think that publishing notices in the Stamford Gazette and purchasing a marquee for notices (like the school has out front) are great ideas. from: Marilyn in Stamford on: 11-07-2009 _________________________________________________ Unfortunately the police in our town are not that close. It is a disadvantage for Stamford residents but a choice we made living here. My security system went off a month ago and it took them less than a half hour for State Police to arrive. Although that seems like a long time there is one other things you can do. Usually my alarm company calls home and then my cell. If they contact you then you can call neighbors around you or if you work locally you can run home if possible. These are some of the things I have kept in mind. This may not be eay for everyone but you need to find back up plans instead of always criticizing the police. It amazes me how much I see the Sheriff in this town. from: on: 11-07-2009 ________________________________________________ MAKE AN ARREST! from: Sick of this! on: 11-07-2009 _______________________________________________ I live in Stamford and we have a guy that go door to door selling seafood and steak out of his truck. He has New York plates and he gave me a business card which came up non-existant. I don't know if anyone else purchases from him but it seems a little "fishy". from: on: 11-07-2009 _______________________________________________ Many home owneres in Stamford carry guns. I hope it is worth it for these people breaking in that they are taking a chance of getting shot. So not worth those laptops and syringes. from: Voice in VT on: 11-07-2009 ________________________________________________ I think Mr. Sarkis should be the new Sheriff in town and also on the School Board. He is just so knowledgable about everything. from: Resident of Stamford on: 11-07-2009 _______________________________________________ We demand an arrest....and we want it now! Enough is enough. Let the traffic details rest for a couple of days. Put every officer on the case! from: Townies on: 11-06-2009 _______________________________________________ Clarksburg Community Watch has a Twitter page! Editor: Link, please? from: Get Moving on: 11-06-2009 ________________________________________________ I am from North Adams and my neighborhood has been hit severely by break-ins and I am a victem of one of them. They did catch a couple of people a month or two ago and it has been quiet but from things I hear from other residents, it is still a problem here. The community needs to come together and help one another. I know it hard if you work and your not home but all it takes in one person on your street or area to keep and eye out and report anything that looks suspicious. And as the police say they'd rather check it out and find out that it is nothing then let that criminal keep doing what they are doing. Also to me it sounds that the Community of Stamford needs better communication for their towns people and you all need to come together help eachother stay informed. I know we don't have an issue of law enforcement here but if I lived in Stamford I would rather write down a plate number and description or whatever and wait 2 hours for a police officer to come (and hey maybe catch the guy or get a lead all because I was watching)than not do anything at all! from: Two Cents on: 11-06-2009 ________________________________________________ The Victim - they didn't say this because they don't want to cause panic. The truth is they don't have the manpower or the budgets to respond to every call in every town that they are responsible for. It wouldn't take too much brain power to figure out how to get the police to go in one direction while you (the robber) goes in the other. They can only send one car south of Rt 9 and it's an hour trip. Remember they also cover I-91 (speeding tickets help the budget). In the police's defense, if they proposed a budget that would protect all towns - the tax payers blow a gasket. from: Stamford Vigilante on: 11-06-2009 ________________________________________________ What?! What do you mean they charge for home security systems? What do you mean they charge for more than 1 call? Why didnt he tell us that!? from: Victim on: 11-06-2009 ________________________________________________ The Milker - I think the selectboard does the best they can. Running a town is not as easy as it used to be. There are very few people that have knowledge in all the various areas that are needed, and those that do probably don't have the time that is required, its more than meeting twice a month for a couple hours. But perhaps we will see your name on the ballot this March. Keep the powder dry! from: Stamford Vigilante on: 11-06-2009 ________________________________________________ Comment was eaten by web so this may be a duplicate. The police say call, call, call NOW, but a year or two ago the Vermont State Police "extorted" $50 from every homeowner who has a home security system. They said they wouldn't respond to more than on false alarm a year unless we paid up front. Smashing someone with a baseball bat (your reference to ash) is no different than shooting someone in self defense. Beside, you don't need to kill the intruder - I'm told a shattered knee cap is the most painful injury their is. A couple missing toes will slow them down as well. Editor: Ouch! Works if your aims good. My point is you can shake a bat at someone to indicate intent and it won't discharge. There seems to be a lot of violent desire on this message board. from: Stamford Vigilante on: 11-06-2009 _______________________________________________ As a victim of this crime I can tell you. You feel all the emotions. Every single awful one. And the biggest one you feel is HELPLESS. We need to find a way to be proactive and use preventative measures. One of the greatest measures is writing down LICENCE PLATE NUMBERS. (and calling them in) Can you imagine how many cars (that don’t belong) would stop driving down your street to case you if you always went outside with a pen and paper? We can prevent this from happening to our towns. We can make the neighborhoods safe as well as peaceful & quiet again. Write down those car numbers. Don't just sit there and look at the color of the car! from: Victim on: 11-06-2009 _______________________________________________ It all comes down to this... If we leave evertyhing up to the Select Board nothing will get done in this damn town. Let's work together to catch these individuals and take back our town. Once we do we won't stop there. The way our town is run is a shame. We need some qualified people to run for the select board. Any qualified volunteers? from: The Milker on: 11-06-2009 ________________________________________________ It sounds like the editor has never been the victim of a home invasion....... drop the laptop and run out the back door. I bet you're not often given that choice.... Editor: Nope, and knock on wood I never am. Doesn't mean I'm not willing to defend myself. My weapon of preference is made of ash. from: Homer on: 11-06-2009 ________________________________________________ Yes, I agree. We have to take action! The police do not mind being called- that was his words. People need to know that they should call when they see this guy! The message here is CALL, CALL, CALL. Dont wait. 911 is the number. We can do this together. Tell your neighbors to CALL. I will. from: Together we stand on: 11-06-2009 __________________________________________________ From what I understand, the majority of break-ins are occurring when people are not at home. That is why we need to watch out for our neighbors and fellow townspeople. Please don't be afraid to call 911 or the Police. There is no crime in reporting something that appears to be bad but checks out as nothing. Like the Vt. State Policeman said, they'd rather check out 500 calls that turn out okay instead of 1 that an actual crime took place. from: Homer on: 11-06-2009 _________________________________________________ The right bear arms for the defense of oneself. If you feel threatened in your own home, you can shoot some one. I know you are very busy, but if you know of a citation that states otherwise, please provide it. Of course, the gun could discharge accidentally while it was being cleaned. Editor: Usually the standard is direct threat to life (i.e., if you can run out the back door, you're not in danger) but that's up to juries to decide. That section of the Vermont statutes isn't available for some reason, but I do have a call in to the Bennington state's attorney office. It's a good question that should be answered. Personally, shooting someone over a laptop is too extreme for me. from: Stamford Vigilante on: 11-06-2009 _________________________________________________ Great discussion people, just what is needed! The more the issue is out there, the better we can unite against it. Just in case our local goverments are missing it, The message is: "Criminal activity in OUR towns will not be tolerated. It will come to end one way or another" from: Homeowner in Lockdown on: 11-06-2009 ___________________________________________________ Vermont: That the people have a right to bear arms for the defence of themselves and the State -- and as standing armies in time of peace are dangerous to liberty, they ought not to be kept up; and that the military should be kept under strict subordination to and governed by the civil power. Ch. I, art. 16 (enacted 1777, ch. I, art. 15). Editor: The right to bear arms doesn't mean you can shoot people. from: Stamford Vigilante on: 11-06-2009 ________________________________________________ Come to my house I won't ask questions 1st. If he makes it ~ then anyone that wants to can ask all the questions they want! from: My home My way ... on: 11-06-2009 _______________________________________________ Was this meeting posted in the newspaper? I was not aware of it and most definately would have attended. "Select Board member Helen Fields said that was the point of the meeting, to let residents know what was going on. Board members had only recently learned of the incidents, she said, and pulled the meeting with police together in a couple days." NOT TRUE Helen ... I spoke with Board Chair 1 month ago. What is this about a resident has to attend a meeting to supply an e-mail address ... No e-mail to send a request to...where is the technology in this town? Not everyone got the "pink slip" (this is so old school)to fill out and drop off because the gazette goes where, to whom, students??? That can be e-mailed to all residents also. Get with it Stamford! Editor: The slips were provided in several ways and are available at the town office. The town has to have permission to access your address because the e-mails then become public. It's not that easy. The meeting was posted on iBerkshires - by the time they got confirmation that Trayah could attend, it was to late to publish in the paper. from: Stamford Resident on: 11-06-2009 ________________________________________________ I'm sure the local cops are good for everyday things but cant they get help from state police on these cases? It looks like Vt. State Police are involved, are Mass Troopers? from: Bread Man on: 11-06-2009 ______________________________________________ Take a stand people! Let the criminals know that this is NOT an area that is going to sit back and do nothing. Get involved, be aware, report anything that seems out of place. The days of feeling that we live in safe, secure little towns are over. It's time we face the facts. We need to become a tighter group of communities and protect each other. Our friends, families and neighbors are counting on us becoming mobilized. The criminals are counting on us doing nothing. YOU NEED TO CHOOSE WHAT PATH YOU WANT TO TAKE! from: Concerned Citizen on: 11-06-2009 ________________________________________________ If you are a Facebook user you can join the group Stamford Vermont Crime Watch. We welcome all from local towns to join. from: Jim on: 11-06-2009 ______________________________________________ I've heard of break ins in Readsboro, Stamford, NA, Clarksburg, Williamstown & Adams. Deeply disturbing news! Help each out! Look out for your neighbor and yourself! These people can be caught now that we are aware! from: Concerned Citizen on: 11-06-2009 _______________________________________________ Whether it's Stamford or Clarksburg it's the same situation. Small local goverments are not capable or willing, to provide the most fundamental service, PROTECTION OF THE COMMUNTITY! They must take their heads out of the sand, stand up and take charge. Be Leaders! Inform the citizens, assign law enforcement and make the best use of taxpayers money. They are doing the citizens of our towns a huge disservice by not alerting them as to what is taking place. Personally, I am taking steps to protect my home by going into lockdown mode. I will report anyone or anything that seems out of place. At least that step will get the police out of the station and on the roads which may help protect us. from: Homeowner in Lockdown on: 11-06-2009 ________________________________________________ I have heard that the residents of Clarksburg are forming a neighborhood watch community program- as we write. It is time to help each other out. Protect your home and family! Help your neighbors. Please call 911 IMMEDIATELY if you see anyone suspicious in your neighborhood! Break-ins are associated with both vehicles and people on foot. Please report suspicious vehicles-write down license plate number and state! Note the date, time, color, make/model Most importantly LICENCE PLATE NUMBER. Call the Clarksburg Non-Emergency Number at (413) 663-7795 to leave a message with details you remember from past days. To be on the neighborhood email alert program that will starting shortly. I believe that to be placed on the list you will have to show up for the next open Town Meeting in person. from: Let's help each other! on: 11-06-2009 _________________________________________________ With the 20% tax increase in our town taxes we should be able to provide 24/7 security for each individual house hold. Or town needs to stop spending foolishly and start putting our hard earned tax money to good use.. from: The Milker on: 11-06-2009 ______________________________________________ With the number of hunters (and therefore guns and bows) in Stamford, this person will no doubt enter one too many houses and find a surprise greeting. It will be a homeowner taking matters into their own hands that puts an end to this, not a policeman an hour away or a 5% increase in traffic duty. A call to State Police is a waste of time, they take a minimum of 1 hour to get to town. The one time I called for a similar event, it took them four hours. The State Police only have so much manpower to cover a large territory so they have put the officers were the most people live. It's not the town's fault that neighbors don't inform neighbors. If it takes your neighbor 3 weeks to warn you they were broken into - I'd be more upset with my neighbor than the town. Editor: The one thing both officers stressed was that residents NOT take matters into their own hands. You could end up in jail, seriously. State police are now contacting the sheriff to determine if a deputy is in town to cover an incident, which should cut down the time. from: Stamford Vigilante on: 11-06-2009 _______________________________________________ As a Stamford resident, may I suggest that these types of incidents be published in the Stamford Gazette newsletter? After speaking with people in town, VERY FEW people knew about this "special meeting." Thank God I have good neighbors who call each other when we hear of these incidents, otherwise, no one would be informed! Most people do not read the posting in Billmont's because you'd have to stand in the way of people coming in and out to do so. We pay BIG tax money in this town, for what? Peace and quiet? Haven't see a town truck go by in months! from: Natalie on: 11-06-2009 _________________________________________________
from: Older comments	on: 11-15-2009
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This is what to look-out for: http://www.topix.net/forum/source/north-adams-transcript/TF0QC9G74DKFS3CIC#lastPost (see the last blogger's post) Also- see our website- We are looking for volunteers www.TownCrimeWatch.com
from: Volunteer	on: 12-17-2009
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Clarksburg/Stamford Burglaries

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