WAKEFIELD — Thieves intent on stealing people’s identities are getting busy now that the holiday season has arrived.
On Wednesday, police logged two incidents related to identity theft and more are expected to follow.
On Wednesday morning, a man from Lowell Street told Patrol Officer Matthew Warren that he received a credit card from Sears he had not applied for. He also received a bill showing that a purchase for $17.64 was made. The retailer declined to say where the charge was made, hampering police efforts to solve the crime.
The incident was logged just before noon.
A Velma Road resident reported a similar incident at about 3:45 p.m. but details were not available.
Police are warning residents to keep their personal information private.
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The owner of a company on New Salem Street reported that payroll checks were stolen. Police are now investigating the matter, reported at about 1:30 p.m.
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Police said they arrested Laura A. McKinnon, 29, 822 Front St., Weymouth on charges of operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and possession of an open container of alcohol in a motor vehicle.
Patrol Officer Brett Rossicone responded to a call about a driver who swerved on Prospect Street and struck a curb just after 11 p.m. The caller said he took the keys from the ignition and waited for Rossicone to arrive.
Police said a tire on McKinnon’s vehicle was flat and that she admitted to drinking at the home of a friend. Found inside the vehicle were a bottle of beer, can of beer and whiskey bottle.
A field sobriety test was administered, which McKinnon failed, said police.
She was arraigned today in Malden District Court.
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In other police business in the past 48 hours, beginning Wednesday:
• Police assisted a student from the Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational High School on Hemlock Road with the exchange of papers following a collision in the school’s parking lot. The incident was logged at 8:35 a.m.
• A collision took place at the intersection of Water and Vernon streets at 12:10 p.m.
• A debit card found on Davey Lane was turned in at the Police Station at about 12:30 p.m. Another debit card was found at the intersection of Main Street and White Avenue a few minutes later and was also brought to the Police Station for safekeeping.
• A minor collision took place at the intersection of Prospect Street and North Avenue at about 2:20 p.m.
• A citizen told police that a black pick-up truck struck a vehicle parked in front of the Post Office on Main Street then left the scene. The incident was logged at 6:55 p.m.
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On Thursday:
• A manhole cover on Newell Road was reported missing just after 9 a.m. The Department of Public Works was notified.
• A loud explosion on Nahant Street was reported at about 11 a.m. Police checked the area and could not find the source of the explosion.
