WAYLAND, MA POLICE DEPARTMENT

05/24/2026

Wayland Police Department — Public Safety Notice

The Wayland Police Department is advising the public of a raccoon bite incident that occurred at the Wayland Town Beach. A young child was bitten by a raccoon and was transported to a local hospital where they received appropriate medical treatment.
The area has been searched and the animal has not been located. The Wayland Police Department will continue to check the area over the next several days.

Out of an abundance of caution, the public is reminded to take the following precautions:

- Do not approach or feed raccoons or other wildlife.

- Keep a safe distance from any animal behaving abnormally (disoriented, aggressive, or active during daylight hours).

- Keep children and pets away from wild animals.

- If bitten or scratched by a wild animal, seek medical attention immediately.

Anyone who encounters this animal or observes suspicious wildlife behavior is asked to contact the Wayland Police Department at (508) 358-4721, or call 911 in an emergency.

05/20/2026

🚧Notice of Temporary Lane Closure 🚧

Oak Street Southbound Weekday Utility Work: 9:00 A.M. - 3:00 P.M.

Beginning Thursday, May 21, 2026, Oak Street Southbound will be temporarily closed to through traffic from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday through Friday, to allow crews to complete utility work in the corridor. The closure will remain in effect on weekdays until further notice.

During the closure window, Oak Street Southbound will not be accessible to motorists between the designated work zone limits (Commonwealth Road and Oak Street Bridge). Signage, barriers, and traffic control personnel will be in place to guide drivers safely. The lane will reopen each day at 3:00 PM. Northbound Traffic will remain open throughout the project.

Drivers are advised to plan alternate routes during the 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM closure period. Local emergency access will be maintained at all times. Residents and businesses along the affected stretch will be notified separately. Work is expected to continue on a rolling basis over the coming weeks.

05/19/2026

The Town of Wayland and Wayland Police Department are deeply saddened by the recent attack on a mosque in San Diego. Like the previous attacks based in hate that we addressed previously, this incident is a painful reminder that acts of hate and violence targeting individuals and communities based on their faith have no place in our society.



We stand in solidarity with the Muslim community — in San Diego, across the nation, and here in Wayland. No one should feel unsafe in their place of worship, and we condemn in the strongest terms any act of violence or intimidation directed at any religious community.



In light of this and recent events, the Wayland Police Department has expanded its increased patrols and visibility to include all houses of worship within our community. While there is no known threat to any place of worship in Wayland, we want every resident to feel safe, seen, and supported.



We will continue to monitor developments at the local, national, and international level and remain in close communication with community and religious leaders across Wayland.



We encourage all residents to report any suspicious activity to the Wayland Police Department. Together, we remain committed to a community where everyone is welcome and safe.

05/14/2026

05/11/2026

🐻 WILDLIFE ALERT – BEAR SIGHTING
The Wayland Police Department has received reports of a black bear in the Dudley Road / Bayfield Road area. Black bears are common in Massachusetts and are generally not aggressive, but we ask residents to take the following precautions:
🗑️ Secure trash cans and don't put bins out the night before pickup
🍖 Remove bird feeders and clean grills — don't leave pet food outside
🐕 Keep pets supervised and on leash
📸 Do not approach, feed, or corner the bear
If you encounter the bear, stay calm, make yourself appear large, make noise, and back away slowly. Never run.

For more information see:

Black bears can become a nuisance if they wander into your backyard and find food. Here is everything you need to know to prevent conflicts with bears.

05/01/2026

Following a tragic incident in Wellesley involving the loss of young lives, the Wayland Police Department responded to support the Wellesley community during a time of deep grief. Comfort dog, Archie, accompanied by his handler, School Resource Officer Bowles, visited children in Wellesley to provide emotional support.

Archie’s presence offered a sense of calm and comfort, helping to ease stress and anxiety as families and students began to process the heartbreaking events.

04/29/2026

Tired of Thirsty Thursdays? Have you been looking for a third space to connect with people that doesn't center around drinking? Look no further! Join us for "No Proof Required" this Thursday, 4/30 from 6:30-8pm in Weston! This event will feature conversation and FREE mocktails from Dry Humor, a non-alcoholic bottle shop in Easthampton. Come connect with new friends and explore alternatives to alcoholic beverages.

The event is free, but registration is required. Go here for more details: https://tinyurl.com/noproofrequired

Presented by the Wayland Opioid Settlement Funds Working Group, Town of Weston, and SAFE Great Meadows.

04/28/2026

Know Before You Ride A Community Safety Message from the Wayland Police Department
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More e-bikes and scooters are showing up on our streets, and we want every family — parents and kids alike — to know the rules before anyone gets hurt. What looks like a simple bike or scooter can carry serious legal and safety consequences if it's the wrong type of vehicle in the wrong place. Taking a few minutes to understand the rules now can prevent a much bigger problem later.

Speed Determines the Law — And the Stakes.
If a device travels faster than 20 mph under its own power, Massachusetts law classifies it as a motorized scooter — regardless of what the box says or what the seller called it. This isn't a technicality. It's a meaningful legal distinction that affects where the device can be ridden, who can ride it, and what happens if something goes wrong.

Licenses and Limits Are Not Optional - Motorized scooters require a valid driver's license to operate. They cannot be ridden on sidewalks or shared-use paths in Wayland — and that rule applies to stand-up scooters as well.

Check Before You Buy — Not After. Many devices marketed and sold as "e-bikes" actually exceed the 20 mph legal threshold once you look at the fine print. Before purchasing any electric bike or scooter, verify the top speed rating and confirm whether a speed limiter is installed and engaged. If you are unsure about a device you already own, check the manufacturer's specifications or bring it in and we can help point you in the right direction.

Helmets Save Lives — Every Single Time. Helmets are required by law for all riders 16 and under, but the truth is that no rider of any age is too experienced or too careful to need one. Serious injuries and fatalities from e-bike and scooter accidents have been on the rise across Massachusetts. A helmet is the single most effective thing a rider can wear to protect themselves. Make it non-negotiable in your household.
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We know these devices are fun, and we are not here to take that away. But fun has to come with responsibility. Talk to your kids about where they can ride, what gear they need, and why the rules exist. Set expectations before they head out the door

04/16/2026

⚠️ IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR REEVES HILL AREA ⚠️

At approximately 10:00 AM Today (April 16, 2026), there will be a brief planned power outage lasting 20 to 30 minutes to facilitate electrical service upgrades as part of a pump replacement project at the drinking water booster pump station.

You may experience temporary low water pressure, loss of water, or discoloration. This should resolve shortly after service is restored.

For questions, please contact the Department of Public Works, (508) 358-3672.

Thank you for your understanding.