Natick Report

Since 2020: More than you really want to know about Natick, Mass.

Natick’s Royal Smoke Shop broken into again; teens arrested

by

WCVB-TV reports that Natick Police have arrested two juveniles related to an overnight break-in at the Royal Smoke Shop on Rte. 9 east. The shop has been under siege, with 10 such incidents over the past year, not to mention a bold theft right in front of the owner, according to information shared with WCVB by the store owner, a longtime Natick resident. The thefts have cost the owner tens of thousands of dollars, he said.

Kudos to WCVB for reporting this story. We are making efforts to bring more transparency to Natick police activity. The department’s website and social media channels rarely share information to help residents and businesses stay informed about crime trends in town, though the department does faithfully post arrest and incident logs in a rather cryptic format. We’re working with Boston University computer and data science students to help you better visualize this arrest and incident data, make some sense of it . What we currently have posted is a work in progress.

Advertisement

 
 

Natick police host National Night Out

by

Police Chief James Hicks, right, checks out some puppies from Shultz’s Guest House ready foradoption during the annual National Night Out at Memorial Field on Aug. 4.
Police Chief James Hicks & friends check out puppies (photos by Maureen L. Sullivan)

 
Dozens of families came to the grassy part of Memorial Field on Aug. 4 for the annual National Night Out sponsored by Natick’s Police Department.

A perfect summer’s evening provided the backdrop for plenty of activities, from bounce houses to children’s contests, from catching water balloons (courtesy of two Natick firefighters on top of a ladder truck) to playing with adoptable puppies.

There was also a chance to learn a few things – for example, the differences between e-bikes and scooters. Travis Moran and other Natick Police officers presented a display on which requires a license, and which are allowed on recreational paths. Visitors could also ride the bikes, and if they wanted to learn about impaired driving, they could wear a special pair of “drunk goggles.”

“It’s a great night to bring awareness to what the town has to offer,” said Moran. “It’s also a great family night.”

National Night Out included a chance for visitors to check out police and fire vehicles.

Natick Rotary served up hot dogs, hamburgers and pizza, while Chick Fil-A handed out chicken sandwiches, and Starbucks distributed ice-cold drinks. Kona Ice, Not Your Average Popcorn and Roche Bros. also provided refreshments.

The Natick Service Council conducted a food drive during the event. According to Kelsey Hampton, the director of community engagement, donations tend to drop off during the summer; they could use snack foods, tuna, cereal, jars of pasta sauce and personal care items. The Service Council is also putting together a team for the 15th annual Ride & Stride for Food, which will take place on Sept. 27 in Dedham. Go to the summer newsletter to learn more.

Visitors to National Night Out could also check out police and fire vehicles, as well as the town’s newest GIS drone, named “Felix.” The drone recently swept along the Charles River in South Natick, providing a birds-eye view of the dam project.

Other participants included Advocates, SMOC, Natick 180, SOAR Natick, Anchored in Recovery, Natick Community Organic Farm, Veterans Services, Natick Service Council, Needham Bank, AT&T FirstNet, Soldier Systems Development Center, the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office and the Morse Institute Library’s Bookmobile.

Personnel from the Soldier Systems Development Center (aka the Labs) show the latest in Armygear during the during the annual National Night Out at Memorial Field on Aug. 4.
Soldier Systems Development Center (aka the Labs) personnel

 

Please send news tips, photos, ideas to natickreport@gmail.com

Advertisements

 
 

Nonstop Natick nightlife: Natick Night Out (Aug. 4) and Natick Nights (Aug. 6)

by

The Natick Police Department and community partners host their annual Natick Night Out event on Tuesday, August 4 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the High School Memorial Practice Field on West Street. There will be games, food, and an opportunity to meet local first responders. This is a free event.

Police dog at National Night Out

Then on Thursday, Aug. 6 (5-8pm), Natick Center Cultural District hosts the last Natick Nights event of the season at Natick Common. The theme this week will be the 250th Anniversary of the United States and 375th Anniversary of Natick. Historical figure re-enactors will be on hand, plus lots of vendors, local organizations, a beer garden, music, and more.

Natick Nights Pride theme
Natick Nights (Photo by Isabelle Zhang)

 

Expand your reach (and support local news) by advertising on Natick Report.

Advertisement

Man known for mime costume in Natick facing harassment charges

by

A Framingham man seen frequently in Natick from the downtown train station to the Cochituate Rail Trail dressed in a top hat, suit, and stage make-up was arrested on that trail by state police this past Sunday and faced three criminal harassment counts in court on Monday.

The suspect, who passed out in court, is said to have become increasingly bold in his “unnerving” actions toward several Department of Conservation & Recreation employees at Cochituate State Park in Natick.

The defendant pleaded not guilty and has been sent him to Bridgewater State Hospital for a mental health evaluation.

More on this from Boston 25 TV.

Advertisements

Natick Police investigating hate incidents

by

From the Natick Police Department, which is investigating hate incidents involving racist and antisemitic graffiti discovered in town over the weekend.

The Natick Police Department is aware of two reported hate related incidents that recently occurred in town.

The department’s Civil Rights Officer, in partnership with our regional law enforcement partners, is actively investigating these incidents. We are committed to conducting a thorough investigation and following every available lead.

Acts motivated by bias or hate have no place in our community. We understand that incidents like these can cause concern and fear, and we want residents to know that we take these reports seriously.

If you have any information that may assist with these investigations, or if you witnessed suspicious activity that may be related, please contact the Natick Police Department at 508-647-9510 ext. 3156. Even seemingly minor details may be helpful.

We appreciate the community’s patience and cooperation as these investigations continue. Additional information will be shared if and when it becomes available and if it’s appropriate to be released without compromising the investigations.

Incidents were reported over the weekend at a South Natick property and at the Cole Center, which is located near Temple Israel. The police said it’s unknown whether the incidents are connected, according to a MetroWest Daily News report (subscription may be required to read).

Privacy policy