Department News

On January 10 at 9:55PM family members reported an elderly man, 91 years old missing.  They reported that
the man was last seen leaving his daughter’s residence at 3PM on Wyndbrook Lane in Tyngsborough.  He was
driving an older model white car.  They reported that he had no prior similar incidents and was initially thought
to be at a number of relatives in the area’s home.  After calling around they realized he was at none of them.
Broadcasts were put out to area departments and the state police, and area hospitals were notified with
negative results.  Tyngsborough officers searched area parking lots, and routes to and from relatives homes
and locations that he was known to frequent.
At approximately 7am this morning as he was driving home from working the late night shift, Reserve Officer
Edward Caissie spotted the man driving the car on Westford Road headed towards Westford MA.  Off. Caissie
turned around and followed in his personal car and notified officers with his cell phone.  He followed the vehicle
into Westford and once the man pulled over Off. Caissie was able to approach him and secure the car until on
duty officers could arrive and transport the man to a relative’s home.  Officers report he was confused but
appeared healthy, He told officers he was driving around all night lost and had taken a nap in a parking lot.

As a result of an investigation between Pelham, NH Police detectives and Tyngsborough Police detectives the Tyngsborough Police Department has charged Timothy Silva, 29 yrs. of age, of Tyngsborough with Robbery while using a firearm and being masked.  This robbery occurred on November 12, 2011 at the 3A gas station on Middlesex Road, the suspect brandished what the victim believed to be a firearm and demanded all the money from the register.  The suspect fled with a quantity of cash (amount being withheld). Pelham Police have also charged Silva with a robbery that occurred in their town, he is currently being held by New Hampshire authorities on their charge pending arraignment.

Released by:   Lt. Richard Howe

On December 11^th the Tyngsborough Department investigated a case involving an attempted fraud.  The potential victims in this matter had placed an advertisement in the Lowell Sun selling a puppy.  They were subsequently contacted by someone who said they were interested in purchasing the puppy so the victims gave some contact information to the potential buyer.  A few days later they received two checks totaling over $3,500, far in excess of the asking price.  The person who wrote the checks asked the victims to take what they needed and then send the rest of the money back to them along with the puppy.  The potential victims correctly identified this as a scam and contacted the Police.  The Tyngsborough Police Department is investigating and working with the Postmaster in this matter.

This is a type of scam that is being perpetrated frequently and many people have fallen victim to it.   The scam is that the checks are written against closed or non-existing accounts and victims send the money to the perpetrators before they find out from their bank that the check is worthless.  The elderly are frequently targeted in this type of scam which have become more common as of late.

The Tyngsborough Police department is asking people to never send money via the mail in these type of circumstances and to first contact their Police Department when in doubt.

Released by:    Lt. Richard Howe

For the past month in the area of Progress Ave. and Trader Circle there have been several breaks into
commercial vehicles and property stolen. Various businesses have reported trailers stolen as well as GPS’
various tools, drills, saws, blowers, landscaping equipment, hydraulic pumps.

Most of the thefts have occurred over the weekend.

There are no suspects at this time.

Anyone with any information is asked to call the Tyngsborough Police Department at 978-649-7504.

Release Date: December 5, 2011

On November 27th at 9:57pm the police department responded to the Liquor Shop #440 Middlesex Road in
the T.J.Maxx Plaza for a burglar alarm. Officers arrived and found the rear door open, upon checking the
building it appears the suspects stole a large amount of cigarettes. Surveillance video shows three suspects
wearing dark clothing driving a 4door dark colored vehicle enter the rear of the building. The video is being
processed and photos will be distributed when available.

Det. Sgt. Bourque is working closely with Pelham detectives because they had a similar break Saturday night.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Tyngsborough Police Department.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Release Date: November 28, 2011

The Latest Developments on Town Power Outages

UPDATED AS OF Monday, October 31, 2011 at 5:00 PM

Town officials have been in contact with the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency and National Grid today.  National Grid has made substantial progress repairing transmission and supply lines in Chelmsford, Dracut, and Westford, all of which feed power to Tyngsborough.  Within our borders, electric lines on the east side of the Merrimack River suffered extensive damage.  National Grid has had multiple crews in Tyngsborough repairing these lines and replacing damaged poles.  Based on the information available and the progress made today, some areas of town will begin to see the restoration of power this evening.  It is likely that most residents will not have their power restored before tomorrow, Tuesday, November 1st.  In an update provided at 3:00 pm today, MEMA indicated that statewide, National Grid expected to restore power to a substantial number of customers by the close of business on Wednesday, November 2nd.  The Town continues to work with a direct contact at National Grid responsible for the allocation of resources to Tyngsborough.

The shelter at Tyngsborough Elementary School on Westford Road will be open overnight tonight.  Residents may also visit the shelter to charge mobile devices and access potable water.

Tyngsborough Public Schools are closed tomorrow, Tuesday, November 1st.

The flu clinic scheduled for Tuesday, November 2nd at the Council on Aging has been postponed.  A new date will be announced once it is determined.

Due to the amount of downed limbs and wires and blocked sidewalks, Halloween trick or treating has been postponed to next Sunday, November 6th from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.  Thank you for your cooperation.

As a precaution, residents are asked to check the batteries in their smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

Residents are asked to continue to use caution, avoid unnecessary travel, and consider all downed wires to be live.  Residents are also reminded to secure their homes and alert neighbors if they will be leaving their homes.  Tyngsborough Police are patrolling neighborhoods and will continue to do so until power is restored.

Highway Department crews have been working in conjunction with National Grid crews to address downed trees and limbs that are entangled with poles and wires. Numerous roads have debris on them but are open.  Cleanup of debris from the sides of roads will continue this week.  All roads are passable with the exception of areas where utility crews are working, including Lakeview Avenue at Coburn Road.

Tax bills due November 1st will be accepted through November 2nd with no interest.  Check payments can be made online at www.tyngsboroughma.gov/pay for no charge.

Additional information will be provided when it is available.

Important phone numbers:

National Grid – to report power outages: 800-465-1212
Emergencies: 911
Tyngsborough Fire Department – business line: 978-649-7671

Comcast: 800-266-2278

Verizon: 800-837-4966

–
Michael P. Gilleberto
Town Administrator
Town of Tyngsborough

As a citizen of Tyngsborough, I have enjoyed living close to the State of New Hampshire. But I live in Massachusetts. I pay my taxes in Massachusetts. I also have my motor vehicle registered in Massachusetts, not out of state.

Massachusetts residents are required by law to register vehicles in the Bay State. The Tyngsborough Police Department will be cracking down on residents who live in Town, but drive vehicles with out-of-state license registration.

As I drive through our Community, I often observe out-of-state registered vehicles parked in driveways in the early morning hours, as well as late at night. Many of these vehicles are registered in the State of New Hampshire.

Why would a citizen of Tyngsborough register their vehicle in New Hampshire? They may be trying to avoid paying Tyngsborough excise tax, sales tax, or looking to save money on car insurance. Unlike Massachusetts, New Hampshire does not require a vehicle to be insured before it is registered.

There is no legal reason for any Massachusetts resident to register their automobile in any state but Massachusetts.  This practice is illegal, and if you receive a citation for this offense, you could be fined $250- $500 on each violation.

In order to issue such a fine, your Police Department must observe an illegal vehicle at a residence for 30 days. We will be initiating this observance, primarily assigning the overnight patrol shift the majority of these duties, since this is the time when vehicles are generally parked at homes.

Once an out-of-state vehicle has been observed at a residence for 15 days, we will issue a warning advising the citizens to get the vehicle registered in Massachusetts. We understand that occasionally a vehicle with out-of-state plates may have a legitimate reason for being registered out of state. If this is the case, notify your Police Department of the reason now. We will investigate the reason and, if necessary, schedule a hearing with the Registry of Motor Vehicles for a ruling on the issue.

Please take this as an early warning from your Police Department. As your Police Chief, I believe it is better to ask you now than to tell you later. You may have done this for a day or for years, but the law will be enforced. If you are found in violation, you will be charged.

Have a great fall!

Chief W.F. Mulligan

The successful management of any Police Department requires the dedicated involvement of not only the Police Chief, but of all Officers and Police Staff, our Town Administrator and Elected Officials, and the Community.  As your Police Chief, I find one of my greatest challenges to be balancing the expectations of these three segments; though at times frustrating, it is ultimately a highly rewarding and satisfying responsibility to hold.

As I start my fifth year in the position of Tyngsborough’s Chief of Police, I believe we have all worked together in a highly effective and collaborative manner to achieve and maintain this balance, moving the Police Department forward to reach the very important goals set when I first had the privilege to take my oath.  I’d like to share these accomplishments with you now:

State of Massachusetts Police Accreditation

The Tyngsborough Police Department became the 38th Certified Police Departments in the State of Massachusetts. State Certification is the first step toward State Accreditation. At this time, there are only 27 Police Departments state-wide with accreditation.  Achieving this goal in less than three years is a tremendous tribute to the hard work and determination of the Officers involved in this effort.

Improved Hiring Standards

Each Officer candidate must now pass a written exam, a physical fitness test, and an oral interview, as well as an extensive background investigation.

Reserve Officer Program

The Police Department has hired six full-time Officers from the Reserve Officer Program since 2007, saving thousands of dollars in training costs for the Community and the Police Department.

Patrol Lieutenant Positions

Working together with the Town Administrator and the Board of Selectmen we have promoted three veteran Sergeants to the rank of Lieutenant. This has improved the operation of the police department allowing us to better serve the community.

Partnership with Schools

Our School Resource Officer has initiated Lax and the Law, an indoor Lacrosse program for high schools students, including both male and female teams. This program is funded entirely through donations, at no cost to the tax payer.  In addition, I maintain a close relationship with the Superintendent of Schools, and have offered advice and information on numerous school security issues.

DARE Program

DARE is an important program in which students learn about the dangers of drugs, alcohol, and bullying.  No tax dollars are used for the DARE program; it is completely funded through donations. Starting in 2007, we have had over 300 students attend these classes.

Partnership with Council on Aging

We have worked together on a number of projects, including providing presentations on various elderly issues such as security and scams, as well as serving food at senior breakfasts and holiday lunches.

Tyngsborough Police Department Web Site

Developed in 2008, and revamped in 2010  the Police Department’s web site provides the community with information on the Police Department, our Officers, and the various programs and services we offer.  In addition the site provides citizens with convenient online access to various forms (accident forms, specific permits, etc).

Police Station Headquarters

Since 2007, we have power-washed the exterior of the building, painted the interior walls, and replaced and updated office furniture within the police department, all at no cost to the tax payers.

Police Department Memorial

Working in partnership with the community, the police union, and the staff, we erected a Police memorial in front of the Police Department in 2008. The site was prepared by a member of the Police Department and the memorial was donated by a local company, at no cost to tax payers.

Motorcycle Unit

This program was started in 2007 and has been funded through Community Policing funds and donations. This has been a highly effective and well-received community policing tool, as well as a proactive motor vehicle enforcement tool.

Bicycle Patrols

This program has been supported through community policing funds which we have used to purchase bicycles and carrying racks.  This program allows Officers to get out of their cruisers to engage in positive contact with the citizens of Tyngsborough.  Again, this program has been very well-received and has proven highly effective.

Equipment Upgrades

• We have purchased new handguns and provided the most up-to-date patrol rifles, helmets, and heavy duty ballistic vests for our Officers as assigned to each patrol cruiser, all at no cost to the tax payer.

• We have purchased the most up-to-date portable radios for our patrol officers at no cost to tax payers.

• We have trained our Officers in the use of our newly acquired Tasers, also purchased with drug forfeiture money at no cost to the tax payer.

• In addition, through community policing funds we have acquired a Speed Monitoring Radar Trailer which is assigned to various locations, as needed throughout Town.

Memberships

• Villagevault.com: We have raised over $11,000 on the sale of firearms we have invested this money back into the police department for needed equipment and supplies.

• Propertyroom.com: We have been able to add value to the property we remove from the station for the community.

Professional Affiliations

As your Chief, I believe it’s my responsibility to assume responsibility and presence in various professional organizations that help me provide both visibility to our Police Department and insight into state-of-the-art police practices and tools:

• I am the Chairman of the Northeastern Law Enforcement Council Training Committee.
• I am a member of the Regional Dispatch Committee for Northern Middlesex Council of Governments
• I am a member of the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association
• I am a lifetime member of the International Chiefs of Police Association.
• I am a member of the Middlesex Chiefs of Police Association.

As the beginning of my next year as your Chief begins, I look forward to the Police Department’s continuing accomplishments in partnership with the Community, the Board of Selectmen, and the Town Administrator.