Lakeville Police Department: 508-947-4422
Lakeville Fire Department: 508-947-4121
Emergencies: 911
Author: Kristen Potter
Lakeville Police Warn of Unemployment Fraud
Unemployment Insurance fraud continues to increase during COVID-19. The Lakeville Police Department has taken several reports of fraudulent unemployment claims. This scam has become increasingly popular across Massachusetts. Criminal enterprises in possession of stolen personal information have been attempting to file large amounts of illegitimate unemployment claims through the Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA) system. Residents have been receiving letters from the Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance informing them that their claim has been accepted when they have not filed for any benefits. If you or someone you know received this letter, please take the following steps. (click the blue links)
- Notify your employer
- File an online unemployment fraud reporting form OR contact DUA Customer Service at 877-626-6800
- Report Identity Theft with the Federal Trade Commission and receive assistance with a recovery plan. The FTC has also launched a new fraud reporting portal.
- Place a fraud alert on your credit file.
- Request credit reports online and dispute any fraudulent transactions.
- If you wish to freeze on your credit, you may notify the consumer reporting agencies.
Please contact us at 508-947-4422 if you require further assistance or wish to file a police report.
LPD Response to COVID-19
Walk-in Services
The Lakeville Police Department will continue to patrol and respond to all emergencies as usual. However, in compliance with Governor Baker’s social distancing guidelines, we are requesting citizens avoid coming into the police station for general, walk-in business in response to the threat of COVID-19. We ask that citizens make all non-emergency reports and inquiries to the department by telephone rather than in person. The Lakeville Police Department can be reached on its business line at 508-947-4422. Continue to dial 911 for any emergencies.
For up to date information, visit the DPH website by clicking here and the CDC’s website by clicking here.
Records Requests
All records requests can be completed online. Please visit our website and select Records & Reports. You will have the option to receive your requested documents via email or U.S. Mail.
Car Seat Installation
All car seat installations are temporarily suspended. If you require assistance over the telephone or request to speak to one of our technicians, please call 508-947-4422.
Med Return Box
The medication return box will be temporarily closed. Please properly secure all medications in your homes until we can continue the MedReturn program.
Firearm Licensing
The Lakeville Police Department will be altering the firearm licensing process until further notice.
- All applicants should send in their new or renewal applications via mail to Lakeville Police Department, 323 Bedford St., Lakeville, MA 02347.
- Applications can be found online here.
- The in-person portion of the licensing process will be temporarily delayed for new applicants until further notice.
- For licensees who apply for renewal before the expiration of their license (and who get a receipt acknowledging so), their license will remain valid.
- For licensees who apply for renewal after the expiration of their license, their license will be deemed valid for a period not to exceed 90 days beyond the expiration date, unless the license is revoked. This provision applies only to License to Carry cards and not Firearm Identification cards.
Hands-Free Driving Law
Massachusetts law prohibits operators of motor vehicles and bicycles from using any electronic device, including mobile telephones, unless the device is used in hands-free mode.
The “hands-free” law is effective as of February 23, 2020.
Penalty for violating the hands-free law:
- 1st offense – $100 fine.
- 2nd offense – $250 fine, plus mandatory completion of a distracted driving educational program.
- 3rd and subsequent offenses – $500 fine, plus insurance surcharge and mandatory completion of distracted driving educational program.
What does this mean for me?
Drivers who are 18 and over
- Can only use electronic devices and mobile phones in hands-free mode and are only permitted to touch devices to activate hands-free mode.
- Not permitted to hold or support any electronic device/phone.
- Cannot touch phone except to activate the hands-free mode and can only enable when the device is installed or properly mounted to the windshield, dashboard, or center console in a manner that does not impede the operation of the motor vehicle.
- Not allowed to touch device for texting, emailing, apps, video, or internet use.
- Activation of GPS navigation is permitted when the device is installed or properly mounted.
- Handheld use is allowed only if the vehicle is both stationary and not located in a public travel lane, but is not allowed at red lights or stop signs.
- Voice to text and communication to electronic devices is legal only when device is properly mounted; use of headphone (one ear) is permitted.
Drivers who are under 18
- Are not allowed to use any electronic devices. All phone use while driving is illegal, including use in hands-free mode.
Operators may use a cell phone to call 911 to report an emergency. If possible, safely pull over and stop before calling 911.
Media Release 12/21/19
On December 21, 2019, at approximately 1:35am, Officer Joseph Cowing attempted to stop a vehicle on Precinct Street. The vehicle failed to stop and officers used a tire deflation device to slow the vehicle. The vehicle was eventually stopped in the City of New Bedford. The operator was apprehended and identified as Reinaldo Serrano 10-24-83 of Taunton. Freetown Police and Massachusetts State Police assisted Lakeville officers.
Serrano was arraigned in Wareham District Court on the following charges.
• Operating under the influence of alcohol
• Failure to stop for police
• Speeding
• Negligent operation
• Leaving the scene of an accident
• Marked lanes
• Operating with a suspended license