The following was provided by Lexington Police Chief Mark Corr. A citizen petition is on the ballot for Nov. 6 that would permit the growing, sale and possession of marijuana for “medical” reasons. In my opinion, this is a poorly written law. As the Police Chief, I ask that you please take the time to learn the facts, for example: In three states where similar laws have been passed, the average person using medical marijuana is a white male, 25-years of age and complains of back pain.  These states are also experiencing a spike in marijuana use by teens and motorists. Voters are being asked…

“Off the Blotter,” a montly column by Lexington Police Chief Mark Corr, is an opportunity for the Lexington Police Department to share what is happening here in Lexington and in your neighborhood. As a new officer fresh out of the police academy in 1983, one of the more difficult chores was serving arrest warrants for red light and speeding violations. I would go knock on doors and take residents into custody for the non-payment of a $20 fine. Frankly, I found these assignments embarrassing. Today, a traffic violation is a civil violation and the non-payment of a ticket will adversely impact …

“Off the Blotter” is an opportunity for the Lexington Police Department to share what is happening here in Lexington and in your neighborhood. The New Year is always a good time to make a resolution to change a habit or do something different. Please consider adding one or more of the following to your list of resolutions: 1.) I will lock my car doors. In 2011, Lexington had 131 cars entered unlawfully with approximately 90 percent of these vehicles unlocked. The reported loss of property in 2011 from cars was nearly $10,000. Locked doors discourage thieves. 1A) I will not leave valuables in …

Off the Blotter is an opportunity for the Lexington Police Department to share what is happening here in Lexington and in your neighborhood. This column was provided by Police Chief Mark Corr.  When you enter a restaurant, lobby or locker room you will often see a sign that says, ‘We are NOT responsible for the loss or damage to your personal property.”  It is a polite way of saying, “Protect yourself.” Parking lots, restaurants, sports clubs and other commercial properties have been the target of professional thieves for years. The Lexington Police and regional police agencies have routinely…

The doorbell rings, you answer it and a young man starts his sales pitch. He introduces himself and seeks to capture your attention. The door-to-door sales person is a readily recognized American entrepreneur. These young men and women are willing to accept hundreds of refusals to make a few sales. This is a tough way to make a living and common during difficult economic times. Unfortunately, for all of the very good sales people, there are a few who are antagonistic, combative or engaged in scams. Lexington allows Hawkers and Peddlers, and this includes door-to-door sales. Individuals and/or…

The Police Department has many practices and procedures the public may not understand. We encourage residents to ask the question, “Why?” We find that informed residents have more positive interactions with police and are often the best ambassadors for our Department. Here are some common questions: -- Why do you need three police cars on a stop? Lexington deploys patrol officers one per cruiser and this allows four officers to be more visible in Town. A patrol Sergeant is also available for on-street supervision. When an incident occurs, generally two officers arrive to assist each other. …

By Chief Mark J. Corr, Lexington Police Department On Dec. 23 2010, more than 40 cars were entered and valuable property was stolen. For some, the Grinch had stolen Christmas.  Since Jan. 1, 2011, we have had 77 additional reports of car breaks with close to 100 cars entered. Small change, GPS units, laptops, briefcases, purses, tool kits, CDs, portable players, or anything else with value was taken. With the exception of one or two cars, all of the vehicles were unlocked. This is not a new occurrence. In 2003, we interviewed a group of young men who were being prosecuted for stealing from …

By Chief Mark J. Corr, Lexington Police Department. “Off the Blotter” is an opportunity for the Lexington Police Dept. to share what is happening here in Lexington and in your neighborhood. One day, an attentive Lexington Detective noticed at a pawn shop the name of a Lexington youth who sold jewelry for thousands of dollars. A quick check of the police log revealed a large quantity of jewelry stolen a few days before from a house party in Lexington. We recovered the stolen jewelry and prosecuted the youth for a felony theft. This is not an isolated incident. Each year, approximately five to …

By Chief Mark J. Corr, Lexington Police Department “Off the Blotter” is a tag line used by the police departments when publishing material with the local media. In our electronic age, individuals instantly receive alerts about regional, national and international news. “Off the Blotter” is an opportunity to share what is happening here in Lexington and in your neighborhood. Thieves discover new ways to steal money almost every day. Lexington Police have investigated the following scams in the past few months.  Granny Scam: The phone rings and you hear, “Nana, it’s your grandson, I’m in …