From the Transportation Department: Important Traffic Advisory Regarding First Night Festivities!!!
"Happy New Year!!!"
Boston Transportation Commissioner Thomas J. Tinlin is advising drivers that parking and traffic restrictions will be implemented in Downtown Boston on Saturday, December 31 due to the City’s annual First Night activities. The use of public transportation is strongly encouraged. Those who feel the need to drive in should plan to park in off-street lots and garages.
Public safety is Boston’s first consideration. Cars parked in violation of any of the city’s basic public safety regulations, such as, at hydrants, within 20 feet of an intersection, in crosswalks or at handicap ramps, will be subject to towing. In addition, in Boston’s neighborhoods, visitors should be careful to avoid parking in spots reserved for residents and look for signs that indicate visitor parking areas.
Traffic detours will be in place due to the parade and fireworks. Boylston Street, from Dalton Street to Charles Street, will be closed to vehicular traffic from 4 PM to 8 PM, and Charles Street, from Boylston Street to Beacon Street, will be closed to vehicular traffic from 5 PM to 8 PM.
Temporary parking restrictions are outlined below.
“Tow Zone No Stopping Boston Police Special Event Thursday through Sunday” signs will be posted at the following locations.
Boylston Street
South side (Copley Square side), from Dartmouth Street to the Copley Square fountain.
Blagden Street
North side (Copley Square Library), near Dartmouth Street.
“Tow Zone No Stopping Saturday” signs will be posted at the following locations.
Arlington Street
Both sides, from Beacon Street to Boylston Street
Atlantic Avenue
East side, from East India Row to Commercial Street
West side, from Commercial Wharf to Cross Street
Beacon Street
South side (Public Garden side), from Charles Street to Arlington Street
Both sides, from Charles Street to Walnut Street
Berkeley Street
Both sides, from Boylston Street to Newbury Street
Boylston Street
Both sides, from Dalton Street to Arlington Street (excluding the area on Boylston Street requested above)
North side (Public Garden side), from Arlington Street to Charles Street
Both sides, from Charles Street to Tremont Street
Cambridge Street
Both sides, from Court Street to Sudbury Street
Central Street
Both sides, from Old Atlantic Avenue to the Dead End
Charles Street
West side (Public Garden side) from Boylston Street to Beacon Street
Clarendon Street
Both sides, from Newbury Street to Boylston Street
Court Street
Both sides, from Washington Street to Cambridge Street
Cross Street
Both sides, from Atlantic Avenue to Hanover Street
Dartmouth Street
Both sides, from Boylston Street to Newbury Street
Exeter Street
Both sides, from Newbury Street to Boylston Street
Fairfield Street
Both sides, from Boylston Street to Newbury Street
Gloucester Street
Both sides, from Newbury Street to Boylston Street
Hereford Street
Both sides, from Boylston Street to Newbury Street
Milk Street
Both sides, from J.F.F. Surface Road to Old Atlantic Avenue
Old Atlantic Avenue
Both sides, from Milk Street to State Street
Surface Road
Both sides, from Sudbury Street to State Street
Drivers are urged to pay close attention to posted parking regulation signs over the next few days as further temporary restrictions may be necessary to accommodate production vehicles and equipment.
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A letter to the residents of District E-18 (Hyde Park) from Captain Robert Ciccolo re: recent residential break-ins/attempted
Dear Residents,
During the past two weeks there have been several instances of the homes of elderly residents being broken into (or attempts) during the night-time hours in the River St / Dedham Line area. These breaks have taken place while the elderly residents were home.
While only one of these incidents has been in Hyde Park, there have been three on the Dedham side of the line in close proximity. Boston Police and Dedham Police are conducting a joint investigation into these breaks, and both departments will be increasing marked patrols in the area as well.
The Boston Police and Dedham Police would like to request your assistance in this matter. Please be alert for strangers in your neighborhood, watch for people who are unknown to you entering or leaving your neighbors homes, especially if the neighbors are elderly.
If you make any observations of this nature, please call 911 immediately with a full description of the individual.
If you have any other information which you believe could be helpful to the Boston Police in putting a stop to these housebreaks and apprehending the person responsible, you can call District 18 Detectives at (617) 343-5607, or if you wish to remain anonymous you can call the Boston Police TIPS line at 1-800-494-8477.
Please help us protect your neighborhood and your belongings.
Sincerely,
Captain Robert W. Ciccolo Jr.
Commander, District 18
Addendum: There have been four incidents. Three of the four incidents were attempted break-ins. In one incident, a suspect(s) did gain entry but no property was taken- CORRECTION: victim did have items stolen including jewelry during this incident. The incidents occurred on December 16, 19 and 21. Three were in the 1800 area of River Street. One incident was on Edson Street.
Merry Christmas from District E-18 (Hyde Park) : Santa with the Assistance of Officers Provided 120 Gifts to Local Kids – See pics!
Merry Christmas from District E-18! Santa Claus (P.O. Brian Lundy) and his elves (P.O. Daphney Orion, Jessica Anderson) and Community Service Supervisor, Sgt. Thomas Manning of District 18 hosted the first annual children’s Christmas Party in collaboration with the SouthWest Boston CDC. Wrapped gifts were given to children of 120 families that were donated through Toys for Tots. Pizza and refreshments were provided for by the Hyde Park Neighborhood Association. Christmas Carols were sung by the First United Pentecostal Church choir of Hyde Park and were joined by Mass. State Rep. Russell Holmes and his wife. “The Night Before Christmas” was read aloud by City Councilor Rob Consalvo. A fun time was had by all!
Heroic BPD Officers Capture Armed and Dangerous Suspect: Suspect Threatens Officers with Loaded Firearm
Yesterday Boston Police captured an armed and dangerous suspect after he pointed a loaded firearm at officers. The suspect, Josiah Sterling, 22, of West Roxbury was arrested and charged with the Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, Unlawful Possession of Ammunition, Carrying a Loaded Firearm, Assault by Means of a Dangerous Weapon (gun) and Resisting Arrest.
On Tuesday, December 13, 2011, officers from District B-3 (Mattapan) and members of the Youth Violence Strike Force (Gang Unit) established surveillance in the area of Mattapan Square and River Street based on information that they had received relative to an individual known to them who was in possession of a firearm. At around 11:30am, officers observed an individual matching the suspect’s description walking through a parking lot in the area of 435 River Street. As the suspect exited the parking lot and made a right turn onto River Street, officers, who were familiar with the suspect, called out his name.
Upon hearing his name, the suspect turned, looked at officers and attempted to flee. As the suspect fled down River Street, officers observed that the suspect’s stride was visibly altered and he was clutching at his side consistent with someone in possession of a firearm. As a result of the observations made, officers, trained in the traits and characteristics of an armed gunman, approached the suspect with caution.
Officers now engaged in a foot pursuit followed the suspect through a parking lot in the area of 431 River Street. While running behind the suspect, officers could see that the suspect was carrying a gun in his right hand. Officers observed the suspect attempt to run into the front door of 431 River Street but, when the suspect noticed that an officer was running right behind him, the suspect turned and ran along the side of the building. While pursuing the suspect around the building, officers lost sight of the suspect momentarily.
When officers were able to regain a visual on the suspect, officers observed the suspect pointing his firearm at the officer. Seeing the suspect pointing a firearm in his direction, the officer, fearing for his life and safety, discharged one round from his department issued firearm.
The suspect was not struck and continued to run around the building where he again encountered an officer and ran toward that officer again pointing his firearm.
As the suspect ran towards the front of the building, several officers moved in attempted to subdue the suspect. After a violent and lengthy struggle, officers were able to take the suspect into custody. Once secured, officers recovered a loaded revolver from the suspect.
Media Advisory/Photo Opportunity: BOSTON POLICE HOST 3RD ANNUAL ‘SHOP WITH A COP’ HOLIDAY EVENT! More than 100 Officers Take Local Children Holiday Shopping
BOSTON POLICE HOST 3RD ANNUAL ‘SHOP WITH A COP’ HOLIDAY EVENT!
More than 100 Officers Take Local Children Holiday Shopping
WHO: Police Commissioner Edward Davis; Boston Police Command Staff; more than 100 uniform Police Officers; over 100 local youth in need and representatives from Target’s executive staff.
WHAT: As part of Mayor Thomas Menino’s tireless efforts to serve Boston’s youth, the ‘Shop with a Cop’ program joins Boston Police officers with youth from across the entire City of Boston. Together they will shop at Target using gift certificates which have been generously donated. The participating youth are selected by Boston Police Community Service Officers, the Family Justice Center and the BPD Homicide Survivor Victim/Witness Advocates.
The goal of this successful holiday initiative is to improve self-esteem of the youths involved. This effort provides youth with an opportunity to purchase presents for their friends and family. In addition, this initiative is a great opportunity to foster ongoing relationships between youth and police by providing a positive environment for fun, social interaction.
Target generously donated $2500.00 and additional funds have been provided by the Boston Police Department and The North American Family Institute.
WHEN: Wednesday, December 14th
5:45pm-6:00pm Police escort MBTA buses w/ youth to Target
6:00pm- 7:30pm – Shopping at Target!
WHERE: Target At South Bay Mall
7 Allstate Road Dorchester
Attention Hyde Park Residents from District E-18: Toys for Tots Comes to Hyde Park!
This Sunday, December 18 from 3-6pm the Southwest Boston CDC and District 18 Boston Police Department collaborate to bring Toys for Tots to Hyde Park!
Please get the word out to the community about this event!
*Please call 617-343-5611 by this FRIDAY DEC. 16 and register your child if he or she would like to be guaranteed a toy since there are a limited amount!*
There are 150 toys for children ages 0-10 that Santa will distribute. Only one toy per child.
Santa will be there, and pizza will be served at the event!
Location:
District 18 Boston Police Department
Community Room
1249 Hyde Park Ave
Hyde Park, MA 02136
Video: Commissioner Davis on the Fox morning show talks Occupy Boston and commends officers for their demonstration of community policing throughout the process
Commissioner Ed Davis on Occupy Boston: MyFoxBOSTON.com
Not Quite What You Would Call Re-Gifting
On Saturday morning around 8:19PM, officers from District E-18 (Hyde Park) responded to 250 Hyde Park Ave. for a larceny call.
On arrival, offices spoke to the victim who reported that her neighbor stole her 55” flat screen television. The victim, who was moving, told officers that her television was on the front porch while movers loaded her items on the truck when her neighbor stole her television. Officers then spoke to a witness who reported seeing the suspect take the victim’s television and carry it to her apartment.
Officers then responded to the suspect’s apartment where they spoke to her. The suspect admitted to officers that she took the victim television and gave it to a relative. The suspect, Wanda Z. Lugo, 48 of Jamaica Plain, being unable to get the television, was placed under arrest and charged with Larceny over $200.00.
Community Alert: Boston Police Offer Prevention Tips For Cell Phone Robberies – Detectives Investigate Recent Robbery Incidents & Make Several Significant Arrests (See Video)
Boston Police Department Offers Community Members Important Prevention Tips Regarding Cell Phone Robberies
Detectives Investigate Recent Robbery Incidents & Make Several Significant Arrests
The hustle and bustle of the holiday season is an exciting time for the city. The flurry of activity can at times cause distraction for all of us which can also create opportunity for thieves. The Boston Police Department would like to take this opportunity to offer some prevention tips to the community on how to protect yourself from a crime of opportunity specifically cell phone robbery.
The Boston Police Regional Intelligence Center (BRIC) has received 37 reports of cell phone robberies citywide since November 1, 2011 to present. Overall 25 of the 37 incidents occurred between the times of 5:00pm-2:00am. These incidents occurred citywide in areas such as District D-4 (Back Bay/South End) at Berkeley Street, W. Newton St, Shawmut Ave and Park Drive; District C-11 (Dorchester) at Spring Garden Street. Savin Hill Ave and Washington St; District A-7 (East Boston) near Maverick Square and District A-1 (Downtown) at Joy Street and Milk Street. Analysts report that iPhones and Blackberry’s are some of the more sought after devices.
In addition, officers have made significant arrests regarding these robberies. In recent weeks, officers have placed as many as 8 individuals under arrest for both robbery and attempted robbery of cell phones.
**It is also important to note that overall robbery is down 4% citywide.
Contact Information:
Anyone with information regarding these incidents is encouraged to contact detectives at (617) 343-5619. You can also provide information anonymously by calling the CrimeStoppers Tip Line at 1 (800) 494-TIPS or by texting the word ‘TIP’ to CRIME (27463). The Boston Police Department is interested only in your information, not your identity. Your tip is 100% anonymous and we thank you for your help.
The Boston Police Department would like to take this opportunity to remind residents of the following:
TIPS FOR ENSURING YOUR PERSONAL SAFETY:
- Always be aware of your surroundings, especially at night. When parking, walking or returning to your car, remain in well-lit and populated areas.
- Wear sneakers or shoes that allow for added mobility.
- Be watchful and aware. Keep your head up. Make quick eye contact with those around you and be observant of passing vehicles.
- Don’t become distracted by talking on a cell phone or listening to an iPod/similar device.
- Avoid walking alone late at night. Walk with friends and people you know.
- If you think that someone is following you, switch direction or cross the street. Walk toward an open store, restaurant or residence.
WHAT TO DO DURING A ROBBERY:
To reduce the risk of injury, COMPLY WITH THE ROBBER’S DEMANDS. Make a mental note of as much descriptive information as possible.
What to look for:
- Facial Features
- Clothing & Jewelry
- Skin, Hair & Eye Color
- Age, Height, Weight, Sex
- Scars, Tattoos, Marks
- Speech, Accents
WHAT TO DO AFTER A ROBBERY
Observe & Remember:
- Direction of travel
- License plate number
- Type & Color of vehicle
- Type of Weapon displayed
- CALL 9-1-1 IMMEDIATELY