Recently, in a neighboring town, an elderly person withdrew a large sum of money and handed it over to an “agent” who showed up at their home. Please follow these simple tips before giving large sums of money to someone you do not know: Do not send or give any money or gift cards to an unknown person. Make contact with family who claim to be in danger prior to sending money, especially if the scam involves a claim about a family member. Trust your banking representatives if they try to intervene. Call the police if you feel that you are being scammed.
(Westport, CT) Westport Police again remind residents to stay vigilant in locking their cars and homes. Westport Police investigated two (2) stolen vehicle reports yesterday where vehicles were left unlocked and keys in the vehicle. We had one (1) vehicle theft attempt and one call of suspicious people running from an open garage and fleeing the area in a stolen vehicle. Further, Westport Police investigated a hit and run motor vehicle accident at Easton Road and North Ave where one of these stolen cars crashed into another vehicle and fled. Thankfully, there were no injuries reported in the crash. Those responsible for stealing these cars have no regard for your property or your safety. Please lock your homes and vehicles, utilize alarm and surveillance systems, and report any suspicious behavior to the Westport Police Department.
Report of a rollover on I-95 southbound at the exit 18 off ramp, no serious injuries reported according to unconfirmed radio reports. At 9:18 pm, they reported I-95 southbound is CLOSED.
Westport Police arrested 40-year-old Adele Wauchope of New Rochelle, NY, in connection with a bank fraud scheme that scammed Webster Bank out of approximately $3,000. The investigation began in March after a fraud investigator reported the deposit of altered U.S. Postal Money Orders into an account opened by Wauchope. Authorities say she made withdrawals after the forged deposits cleared. With the help of search warrants, surveillance footage, and inter-agency information sharing, Wauchope was identified as the suspect.
On May 22, Wauchope turned herself in to Westport Police and was charged with Larceny 3rd Degree, Conspiracy to Commit Larceny 3rd Degree, and Conspiracy to Commit Forgery 1st Degree. She was held on a $50,000 bond and transported to Stamford Superior Court for arraignment
(Westport, CT) Westport Animal Control was notified of a coyote incident that occurred on Roseville Road in the area of Joanne Circle on 05/27/25 at approximately 10:00 p.m. A resident went outside with their dog and, unbeknownst to them, a coyote was standing near the wood line. The coyote approached and lunged at the dog, but the resident was able to run back inside before the dog and the coyote engaged with each other.
To protect your family pets, take the following measures:
Supervise your pets while they are out in the yard.
While out at night with your pets, carry a powerful flashlight and keep tabs on your surroundings.
Coyotes can be successfully hazed or driven away using noise (high-decibel whistle or air horn) or thrown objects (balls, sticks, rocks).
If you are walking a small pet and see a coyote, pick the pet up. Any time you are with your pet and see a coyote, give them a wide berth. You should gradually retreat but maintain situational awareness (keep eyes on) and be assertive and noisy (yelling or using a whistle).
While at home, a fenced enclosure is the best way to prevent unexpected wildlife encounters. Deer fences are designed to keep out deer but do a poor job of excluding smaller species like coyotes. Coyotes and other animals can often slip under deer fences.
Motion-sensitive lights can help alert homeowners to wild intruders at night and can help deter coyotes.
Pets smaller than 30 pounds are at serious risk from coyotes, but coyotes will tussle with larger pets on occasion. Even larger pets will benefit from supervision.
It is important to remember that coyotes can be active day or night.
Coyotes are now found throughout North America. They are an adaptable and opportunistic canid. Statistically, they pose very little risk to humans. There have been only two recorded fatal attacks by coyotes on humans in the last 100 years in North America. But as we know, they do pose a risk to our pets.
Resources:
U.S. Navy-issue 130-decibel Storm Whistle
Frontiersman 130-decibel Bear Horn
Mace-brand Canine Repellent
For further information, feel free to contact Westport Animal Control at (203) 341-6011.
(May 19, 2025) Wilton Road is currently closed between Partrick Road and River Lane because a tree entangled in power lines is blocking the entire roadway. Eversource was notified and responded to the scene. It is expected that the roadway will be closed for an extended period. As of this writing, no estimate has been provided as to when that section of Wilton Road will reopen. We urge motorists to avoid the area until this is resolved.
The Westport Police Athletic League (PAL) and the Westport Parks and Recreation Department are pleased to announce the return of the Independence Day Fireworks Celebration on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at Compo Beach in Westport.
Long-time Westport residents and Staples alumni, Melissa and Doug Bernstein, are once again sponsoring this year’s fireworks event. “This is our favorite time of year in Westport, seeing this amazing community gather together for such a joy-filled event,” said the Bernsteins.
Fireworks tickets will go on sale beginning Monday, May 26, 2025, at both the Westport Parks and Recreation Office and the Westport Police Department. Ticket price for 2025 will be $75.00 per vehicle, payable by cash or check made out to Westport PAL.
Westport Police Corporal and Westport PAL President Craig Bergamo is excited for another successful event that benefits Westport PAL. When asked, Craig stated, “Westport PAL in conjunction with the Town of Westport is honored to plan, coordinate, and deliver another year of fireworks festivities.” “This is our organization’s largest fundraising event, and we appreciate the community’s continued support.”
On March 14, 2025, Westport Police responded to a reported larceny at Mitchell’s, located at 670 Post Road East. A store employee reported that a white female had entered the store, taken several items into a dressing room, and then quickly left. Upon entering the dressing room, the employee discovered multiple security tags that had been removed and discarded on the floor. The total value of the stolen merchandise exceeded $9,000.00.
Further investigation revealed a similar incident at another Mitchell’s location in a neighboring town. Using video surveillance and law enforcement information sharing, Caroline Montanus of Darien was identified as the suspect. An arrest warrant was issued, and on May 9, 2025, Montanus was taken into custody by Greenwich Police and turned over to Westport Police. She was charged with Larceny in the 3rd Degree and released after posting a $50,000 court-set bond. Her court date is scheduled for May 23, 2025, at Stamford Superior Court.
