Could it be the wind? Or vandalism?

Police responded to the Chestnut Hill Shopping Center (old Macy's building) on Monday (Feb. 27) for reports of vandalism.

According to reports, multiple directional signs and large orange Jersey barriers were tipped over. The reporting party said it could have been the high winds over the weekend, but decided to report it as it is not the first time the items were knocked over.

Car break-in at JCC

A woman told police her car was broken into sometime Monday while it was parked at the Leventhal-Sidman JCC.

According to reports, the woman left her car in the parking lot between 8:15 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Monday. During that time, someone smashed the driver's side window of the Toyota Camry and stole a GPS. 

Suspicious health care representative

Police responded to Park Street on Monday after a resident reported a suspicious person who seemed to be selling health care. 

According to reports, the resident told police a female entered his home through an unlocked front door and claimed she was from a state agency called "Right of Way" home health care. 

Shortly after, the woman met with the resident in the kitchen and spoke about what he qualified for with his Medicaid. Afterward, the woman said she had to make a phone call and stepped outside, reports said. 

While outside, the woman yelled out "you qualify" and then continued walking down Park Street toward Tremont Street, police said. 

Afterward, the homeowner contacted Right of Way home health care and found out that they did not send anyone down and were not a state agency. The woman was described as a black female, roughly 5'6", heavy set, wearing glasses, a black North Face jacket, black pants and a blue shopping bag, reports said. 

Car break-in at BSC

A woman who parked her car at the Boston Sports Club on Wells Avenue told police that someone broke into her car sometime Saturday (Feb. 25) between 4:15 p.m. and 5:15 p.m.

Reports said the rear driver's side window was smashed and a black Olivia purse was taken from the car. 

Stolen packages

A resident living on Lagrange Street (200 Block) told police Saturday (Feb. 25) that someone had stolen three packages from her front porch. The packages were scheduled to be delivered on Feb. 3, but she never received them.

Loud college party

A 20-year-old Newton man will appear in Newton District Court for charges related to a loud house party police broke up last week.

Police responded to an apartment on Algonquin Road last Friday (Feb. 24) at 11:49 p.m. for reports of a loud party. When officers arrived on scene they saw people in front of the house and heard loud music and yelling from the second floor. 

According to reports, officers have been to this residence for loud parties before. 

Police said they cleared all the non-residents out of the apartment and in the process, found a number of empty beer cans and liquor bottles throughout the residence. While clearing out the apartment, a loud group of males remained outside and had to be reminded to keep their voices down.

The 20-year-old Newton man will appear in court for charges of keeping a noisy and disorderly house, reports said. 

Vehicle vandalized

A man told police Friday that someone smashed a small window on his Toyota Corolla while it was parked on Margaret Road. 

According to reports, the incident happened sometime between 8:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Friday (Feb.24). No items appeared to be stolen from the vehicle.

Newton man arrested on restraining order violation

A Newton man was arrested Friday afternoon (Feb. 24) on Elliot Avenue, reports said. 

William J. McMullen, 63, of 81 Elliot Ave., was arrested for violating a restraining order, police said. 

Shoplifting at Radio Shack

Police responded to the Needham Street Radio Shack last Friday (Feb. 24) after an employee reported a man stole two pairs of headphones from the store.

According to reports, police were able to view surveillance footage of the incident. Footage showed a Hispanic male in his 30s walk into the store and take two items off the wall, placing them in his coat. The suspect then fled the store toward Needham Street.

The suspect was described as wearing a black hat as well as a black jacket over a grey hooded sweatshirt. He was spotted riding a bicycle toward Tower Road, reports said. 

Smoking in the parking garage

Police issued a man a city ordinance violation for possession of marijuana last Friday (Feb. 24) after confronting a driver who was sitting in his car on Needham Street allegedly smoking. 

According to police reports, an officer was patrolling the Filene's parking garage on Needham Street and spotted a Jeep on the top level of the garage. Reports said the officer was concerned for the safety of the occupants and decided to investigate. 

Once the operator of the Jeep rolled down the window, the officer reported smelling a strong odor of marijuana. In addition, the operator had glassy, bloodshot eyes.

The operator told police he had been smoking, but had consumed all the marijuana. Police also spotted a "green leafy substance" spilled all over the Jeep's center console, reports said. 

Stolen computer

Police responded to the 800 block of Washington Street Friday (Feb. 24) for reports of a larceny.

According to reports, sometime over the last 10 days someone entered the building and stole a Dell desktop computer as well as several pieces of furniture.

Medicaid scam

Police responded to a residence on Concord Street Friday (Feb. 24) after a resident reported a possible scam.

According to reports, the resident received a call from someone named David who said he was calling about a new Medicaid card for the resident and his wife. The caller said the cards would cost $448, which he would withdraw directly from their checking account if they provided the bank account information. 

The residents became suspicious of the situation and called Newton Police. They later closed their bank account. 

Break-in on Upham Street

A resident on Upham Street told police he believed someone had broken into his home while he was on vacation from Feb. 18-25. 

According to reports, the resident came home to find that items around the house had been moved. A few days after arriving home, the resident also noticed the air conditioning unit on the first floor was on the ground and the window was closed. 

The resident said all his valuables were accounted for, reports said. 

Assault and battery with a dangerous weapon

Police responded to Elliot Street Monday evening at 7:04 p.m. for reports of a domestic dispute.

As a result, a 15-year-old girl from Newton will be charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and threats to commit a crime, police said. 

Newton woman arrested 

April Ann Joseph, 42, of 2 Mechanic St., was arrested Monday for assault and battery, police said. 

For questions on this police blotter, email Editor Melanie Graham at Melanie.Graham@patch.com.