After an investigation, the Swampscott Police Department has determined there was no criminality involved in what some residents thought was an attempted break-in at a home in the vicinity of Valley Road.
One Facebook user, Maria Rose, uploaded a 20-second video to “Swampscott Nest,” a Facebook group of more than 19,000 members, on Tuesday showing an adult male approaching the front door of her home and attempting to open it before quickly walking away.
“This creep tried to get into our house today at 5:30 a.m.,” the post read.
The video and subsequent screenshots received attention from fellow members of the group. While the majority of people replying to the post were concerned by the footage, one member, Karen Rohde, suggested the explanation behind it was probably innocent.
Police were initially notified of the incident through social-media activity and asked the residents to contact them. Detective Mike Chandler said Wednesday that there is no reason to be alarmed.
“We talked to the individual, he was there for legitimate purposes,” Chandler said. “It was a mistaken address… It’s a closed investigation at this point now.”
Despite the supposed criminality being unfounded, Chandler encouraged residents not to shy away from reporting anything concerning.
“We always appreciate the public’s assistance with any reports of suspicious activity like that,” Chandler said. “We urge people to call the police so we can assist.”
