HIngham Police Say Milton Man and Girlfriend Targeted Hingham Neighborhood to Steal Valuables

HINGHAM:  Police believe a Milton man and Quincy woman targeted a Hingham neighborhood early Sunday morning to steal valuables from unlocked vehicles. 

Police said Patrick Graney, age 26, of Milton allegedly entered six unlocked vehicles on Bradley Hill Road and stole  an iPod, GPS units, head phones, various phone chargers, greeting cards, a watch, a silver claddagh ring and $24 cash.

Police were called to neighborhood at 1:47 a.m. Sunday after a resident was awoken by his barking dog, according to Hingham Police Sgt. Steven Dearth.  When the resident looked outside he spotted Graney, who fled the area, Dearth said.

Three of the vehicles near his home had their driver’s door open with their glove compartment and center consoles open and the interior lights on. 

When police arrived on the scene they spotted Melissa Wolfe, 26, of Quincy sitting inside a vehicle.  Wolfe claimed she was coming from a party and waiting for her boyfriend, who had walked off to go to the bathroom in the woods.

Police noticed two white plastic bags, several car charges and a GPS inside the vehicle, which she claimed belonged to her boyfriend’s mom.

When police spotted Graney on Lincoln Street, he had a small silver claddagh ring and $24 cash inside his pocket, Dearth said.  Graney claimed the ring was a childhood ring of his grandfather.

But when victims spoke to police they had identified the ring, the GPS unit the plastic bags, and other valuables as their own.  One victim also was able to match the last 4 digits of his credit card, with what was found on a receipt in Graney’s vehicle.

Graney was arrested and charged with six counts of breaking and entering at nighttime with intent to commit a crime, receiving stolen property over $250 and possession of a class E substance.  Sgt. Dearth said he had 100 Gabapentin pills in his vehicle.

Wolfe was arrested and charged with receiving property over $250.

Dearth credits neighbors with the arrest of these two suspects. He said many more vehicles may have been entered if it were not for their call to police.

“We are very glad that they heard something and saw something so that we could identify these people and arrest these people rather than have it continue on all night,” Dearth said.

Police are investigating to see if the suspects are connected with past Hingham break-ins.