John J. Bryfonski, Chief of Police
55 Constitution Drive
Bedford, NH 03110
For Immediate Release
Thursday, Dec. 28, 2017
Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net
Bedford Police to Charge Juvenile With Multiple Thefts Following Hit-And-Run Crash
BEDFORD, N.H. — Chief John J. Bryfonski reports that the Bedford Police Department arrested a juvenile male for mail theft earlier this week, and is continuing to investigate several previously reported incidents of mail theft.
A JUVENILE MALE, AGE 17, OF LONDONDERRY, was arrested and charged with Conduct After an Accident.
In addition, Bedford Police will file juvenile petitions on the following charges:
- Misdemeanor Theft by Unauthorized Taking (10 Counts)
- Criminal Mischief (three counts)
On Tuesday, Dec. 26, at 4:13 a.m., Bedford Police were dispatched to the McKelvie School for a report of a vandalism in progress. Upon arrival, an officer spoke with residents who reported they observed a vehicle driven by an individual who had vandalized their mailbox.
Following a preliminary investigation, officers learned the residents had been in their driveway when they observed a vehicle near the top of the driveway and heard an individual laughing.
They then left the driveway and noticed their mailbox was missing and began to follow the suspicious vehicle as it made several turns, noticing along the way another mailbox was missing and that the car had been stopped by another mailbox. The residents reported observing the driver, later identified as the JUVENILE, reverse direction on County Road and strike a sign before leaving the scene.
A Bedford Patrol Officer located and stopped the vehicle on South River Road and, following an roadside investigation, took the JUVENILE into custody. During a subsequent search of the vehicle, officers recovered several gift cards and pieces of mail addressed to multiple individuals.
Upon further investigation, police located more pieces of unopened mail and packages on Nancy Lane and Wildwood Drive.
“While it’s unfortunate that people would attempt to prey on the generosity of others during the holiday season, I am pleased that our officers were able to identify and charge one such individual and hopefully prevent further thefts,” Chief Bryfonski said. “We are also grateful for the support residents provided us by reporting this incident, as well as by securing misplaced mail that they located, ensuring that it will end up in the hands of its rightful owners.”
Bedford Police detectives are continuing to investigate several additional reports of mail theft.
The JUVENILE was later released on $1,000 personal recognizance bail and is due in Merrimack District Court at 8 a.m. on Jan. 25.
These are allegations. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty.
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