Police Warn of “Check Washing” as Checks are Stolen from Local Mailboxes
Westport Police DepartmentThe Westport Police Department is seeing an uptick in what is referred to as “check washing” cases. Check washing is the process of erasing the details from an already completed check to allow them to be rewritten. In most instances, checks that have been put in mailboxes and are awaiting pickup by a postal employee are stolen. Once stolen, the suspect(s) alter the check by changing the payee as well as the amount and then cash or deposit it at a bank.
The checks that end up being “washed” have been stolen from both residential and United States Postal Service mailboxes within Westport. To prevent this from occurring, the Westport Police recommends that our residents/visitors avoid placing checks they have written directly in free standing mailboxes. Instead, it would likely be safer to either complete the transaction electronically and if that is not possible mail the check from inside the post office. Although inconvenient, adhering to these suggestions should reduce the occurrences of this type of crime in town.
The Westport Police Detective Bureau is actively investigating each of these cases.
Splish-Splashing at Compo
A different kind of splashing at Compo this afternoon as heavy rains doused the beach area, creating large puddles in their usual locations.
Westport Property Transfers: January 17th - 21st; Highest Sale on Maple Avenue South at $3.8 Million
Westport property transfers as reported by the Westport Town Clerk’s Office:
Total Conveyance Tax: $37,758.47
Total Sales: $15,103,388.00
Highest Transfer Price: 82 Maple Avenue South: $3,875,000
Lowest Transfer Price: 6 Laurel Road: $705,000
Transfers:
82 Maple Avenue South: $3,875,000
9 Boxwood Lane: $3,350,000
64 Old Hill Road: $2,200,000
10 Compo Hill Avenue: $1,900,000
18 Clinton Avenue: $1,250,00
13 Hermit Lane: $977,500
11 Overlook Road: $845,000
6 Laurel Road: $705,000
Governor Activates Severe Cold Weather Protocols
Governor Ned Lamont: Governor Ned Lamont today announced that as temperatures are expected to drop into the single digits on Saturday night, he is directing the State of Connecticut’s severe cold weather protocol to be activated beginning at noon on Saturday, February 5, 2022, and remaining in effect through noon on Sunday, February 6, 2022.
The purpose of the protocol is to ensure that the most vulnerable populations receive protection from the severe cold conditions, which could be life threatening if exposed to the elements for extended periods of time. While enacted, a system is set up for state agencies and municipalities to coordinate with United Way 2-1-1 and Connecticut’s network of shelters to make sure that anyone in need can receive shelter from the outdoors, including transportation to shelters.
Anyone in need is urged to call 2-1-1 to get connected to these services. Safety measures have been enacted at shelters and warming centers throughout Connecticut to adhere to the needs of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
“When temperatures drop this low, it can be incredibly dangerous to be outdoors for extended periods of time,” Governor Lamont said. “Shelters and warming centers are available across Connecticut. Anyone in need can call 2-1-1 to get connected to a nearby location, and they can even provide transportation if necessary.”
The following actions are implemented while the protocol is enacted:
The Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection’s Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security activates its WebEOC communications network, which is an internet-based system that enables local, regional, and state emergency management officials and first responders to share up-to-date information about a variety of situations and conditions. The system is used to monitor capacity at shelters across the state, enabling 2-1-1 to act as a clearinghouse to assist in finding shelter space for those who need it. Local officials, working through WebEOC, can alert 2-1-1 and the state when they open temporary shelters or warming centers.
The Connecticut Department of Social Services, Connecticut Department of Housing, and Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services coordinate with 2-1-1 and the Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness, along with community-based providers, to provide transportation for people seeking shelter.
For emergency management news and resources, visit the state’s CTPrepares website at ct.gov/ctprepares or download the CTPrepares app to mobile devices at the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store.