Crime & Safety

MetroWest Towns See Rise In Crimes Involving Cars: Patch PM

Also: Explosion in Ashland | Longhorn beetle warning | Natick hit-and-run | More

SUDBURY, MA — Watch for scattered showers across the Worcester and MetroWest areas this Wednesday afternoon as Massachusetts continues a stretch of cooler, slightly rainy weather.

Here's what else is going on in the area today:

Over the last 24 hours, police departments in Sudbury and Concord have warned residents about a rise in crimes related to vehicles — including car thefts, car prowls, and at least one dangerous pursuit.

Find out what's happening in Sudburyfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Alarmingly, thieves have left air rifles in a few of the stolen cars, Sudbury police reported. The weapons may be connected to other crimes in the area, police said.

Around MetroWest

Norwood Selectman Violated Conflict Of Interest Law: Ethics Comm.

Find out what's happening in Sudburyfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Helen Donohue violated the conflict of interest law by not disclosing her relationship with a property owner in town, state officials said.

Natick Police Seek Hit-And-Run Driver Who Injured Pedestrians

Two people were flown by helicopter to area hospitals after the Tuesday night incident in the downtown area. By Wednesday, police had located the vehicle, and one of the pedestrians was released from a local hospital.

Explosion In Ashland Forces Neighborhood Evacuation

A pipe carrying carbon dioxide ruptured at an industrial facility, forcing the town to evacuate homes near the building on Tuesday evening.

Around Worcester

Shrewsbury Warns Residents To Check For Asian Longhorn Beetle

August is the peak time of year to spot the Asian long-horned beetle and Shrewsbury is one of six communities in the quarantine zone.

Worcester Police Eye 'Cadillac' Of Body Cameras Made By Axon

What is Axon? The Seattle company is a giant in police technology, and Worcester may be their next customer to the tune of $6 million.

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