Dedham Police: Shoplifter Charged for Allegedly Taking $900 Worth of Tools from Sears

Monday, Oct. 13

At 3:35 p.m., a woman told Dedham Police that her wallet was either lost or stolen while shopping at Victoria’s Secret at Legacy Place. The wallet was described as a brown double-zip Louis Vuitton wallet.

Tuesday, Oct. 14

At 8:04 p.m., police responded to Sears on a report of a shoplifter trying to leave the store with about $1,000 worth of merchandise. Police arrested Lawrence Wigandt after observing surveillance footage showing him leave the store with a carriage loaded with tools before he was confronted by Loss Prevention. Several customers confirmed the events. The total amount of merchandise involved came to about $899.98.

Wednesday, Oct. 15

At 12:25 p.m., police responded to Stop & Shop on a report of a stolen dog. Officers spoke with a man who said his 5-year-old Boston Terrier had been in his vehicle when he went into the store for a quick purchase. Upon returning to the vehicle he opened the door and the dog was no longer inside. The vehicle’s windows were rolled down partway for ventilation and the doors had been locked. The dog was later located in front of Dick’s Sporting Goods at about 2:30 p.m.

At 1:30 p.m., an individual reported identity theft, after receiving a letter in the mail from the state unemployment office that allegedly acknowledged he had filed and that it would take about two weeks to process the claim. After speaking with the unemployment office and the financial service that handles his employer and retirement accounts, he found that someone had made several online attempts at gaining access to his account, which had been red flagged. He was advised to monitor his accounts for any fraudulent activity.

At 7:05 p.m., police responded to TJ Maxx on a report of a shoplifter in custody. Upon arrival officers spoke with Loss Prevention and later arrested Karelin Peralta, who allegedly put several clothing items into shopping bags and removed the price tags. The merchandise came to a total of about $328.93.

Thursday, Oct. 16

At 9:45 a.m., Dedham Animal Control responded to a residence on a report of a racoon having been trapped in a trash barrel. The animal control officer observed the racoon in a trap next to the driveway. No signs of illness or injury were evident on the animal, which was released into the woods nearby.

At 9:49 a.m., Animal Control responded to a local residence on a report that a black cat had been found in a tote on the sidewalk nearby. The cat was not wearing a collar and did not have a microchip. The cat was brought to the Department of Public Works.

Friday, Oct. 17

At 1:27 p.m., police received a report of a possible phone scam, in which an operator claiming to be with NSTAR contacted a resident and told him he was behind on his bill and needed to make a payment within 20 minutes to avoid a service interruption. The resident was also instructed to purchase prepaid credit cards as a payment. The resident was advised that this was a common phone scam and to disregard such future calls.

At 10 p.m., officers responded to Joe’s American Bar and Grill on a report of a disturbance. Police spoke with employees regarding a man who entered the restaurant appearing to be intoxicated. The man, who was denied alcohol, allegedly became upset and began to make a scene, and was later asked to leave. When he refused, staff contacted police. The man reportedly fled the area on Ariadne Way in a green Ford pickup truck, which police were not able to find.

Saturday, Oct. 18

At 2:50 p.m. police responded to a report of a missing elderly woman who had been missing since 12:40 p.m., when she reportedly went for a walk. Officers searched the area and notified surrounding towns, and subsequently located the woman at the corner of Sprague and McDonald streets, where she was reportedly in “good spirits.”

At 10:35 p.m., police responded to Amazing Adult Express on a report of a disturbance. Upon arrival, police spoke with staff at the store, who said a man caused a scene, during which he yelled obscenities and eventually left the area. Police were unable to locate the man after a brief search.

Sunday, Oct. 19

At 1:40 a.m., police responded to a report of a fight in progress on Bridge Street. Upon arrival police did not observe an altercation but did see a small group of people in a vacant gas station. A local man said he was traveling from the Corrib in West Roxbury and then got into a fight, but the aggressor was no longer present. Police notified Emergency Medical Services regarding lacerations to his face but the victim refused medical treatment, and left the area on foot with two friends.

At 10:20 a.m., police received a report that a moped had been stolen. The vehicle, valued at $450, was described as a black Shanghai Shenke Red Streak Sport-R50 model.

At 6:38 p.m., police responded to Sears on a report that a female shoplifter who fled the store with merchandise and refused to stop for Loss Prevention staff, according to police records. The suspect then entered an older-model Mercury vehicle and left the area. Police were unable to find the vehicle. Police reviewed surveillance footage to identify the suspect, who allegedly took jewelry as well as a car stereo, all valued at a total of about $279.99. The matter is under investigation.