Police warn woman and dog in matching sweatshirts may be using criminal tactic

Police are warning residents in Sturbridge of a woman in a sweatshirt and her dog, also in a sweatshirt, asking for help.

While the woman appeared non-threatening, the Sturbridge Police Department wrote on Facebook, it could be part of a criminal tactic.

“We urge all residents to call the Sturbridge Police if a stranger comes to you in need. Criminals use these tactics to surveil property or if she needed medical services we could have provided her care,” the police department wrote.

Around 7 p.m. on Thursday, people who live on Goodrich Road contacted the Sturbridge Police worried about a woman in their driveway. The woman was dressed entirely in black, wearing a hoodie and surgical mask, and had a white dog, who was also wearing a sweatshirt. The woman told the family that she wasn’t feeling well. The family gave her water and she left.

About two hours before, Sturbridge saw a high of 84 degrees on Thursday. By 7 p.m., it was only slightly lower at 83 degrees.

A second family reported that a woman with an identical description asked to use their restroom around the same time. They let her inside, police said.

Similar reports were received during the overnight hours of July 14-15.

Sturbridge Police, Wales Police, Southbridge Police, and Massachusetts Police Troopers have been going door-to-door and searching wooded areas but have been unable to find the woman.

The police department is asking residents call the police department if she is seen again.

“While the individual’s behavior raises concerns, no criminal activity has been documented at this time,” police said.