Group of Dedham Youths Suspected of Stealing Credit Cards from Unlocked Vehicles in Westwood

Westwood Police have not yet finalized what charges, if any, will be filed against a group of youths from Dedham who were discovered in the parking lot of Westwood's Highland Glen Apartments shortly after 3:30 a.m. on Monday, August 7, 2023, and at least some of whom are suspected of stealing credit cards from unlocked, parked cars there.

Westwood Police officers responded to Building 3 of Highland Glen Apartments after receiving a complaint that a group of youth were pulling on car door handles. Arriving officers observed a group of people between Buildings 3 and 4 of the complex. 

Upon police officers' arrival, several people fled into the woods. While one officer confronted two youths who remained at the scene, a second officer attempted to locate those who had fled.

The first officer spoke to a 20 year-old male and a 16 year-old male, both from Dedham. They were dressed in dark hoodies, and one was wearing gloves. They told the officer they were out for a walk.

Meanwhile, officers noticed an Uber drive past them, into the apartment complex. The second officer stopped the Uber and discovered three males in the backseat. The officer identified them as the same individuals who had fled into the woods. All were juvenile males from Dedham.

Police contacted the parents of all five boys, in order that they could be picked up. Just prior to leaving under parental supervision, one juvenile admitted that he and another boy had taken six credit cards and an AAA card out of several vehicles. He led police to the credit cards, that were hidden under a bush. Also under the bush, police found black ski masks, a blue bandana, and black gloves.

A determination on charges was not available at the time Westwood Minute spoke with Westwood Police Lieutenant Christopher Sheehy about this incident.

Lieutenant Sheehy reminds residents to lock their unattended vehicles, regardless of where they are parked.

Thanks to Lieutenant Christopher Sheehy and Westwood Police for contributing information for this article.

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