Pittsfield Man Accused of Breaking Into TD Bank ATMs

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A city man was arraigned Thursday on charges in relation to multiple break-ins and attempted break-ins of ATMs at TDB Bank.
 
George Bliss, 39, of West Street was arraigned in Central Berkshire District Court on single counts of breaking into a bank depository, larceny under $1,200 and vandalizing property, and three counts each of attempting to break into a bank depository, attempted larceny and vandalizing property. 
 
The break-ins all occurred at the West Street branch of the bank on Feb. 15, March 1, March 4, April 1 and April 11. 
 
According to the District Attorney's Office, the defendant was observed on bank security cameras using various instruments to break in including a knife, crowbar, and screwdriver.  The damages to the ATMs was $14,733.82.  The defendant obtained at least $720 in the break-ins.
 
The Pittsfield Police are the lead law enforcement agency on the case.
 
Separately of these charges, Bliss was arrested on March 31 on two charges of larceny from a person and possession of cocaine. His bail on those cases were revoked and he was ordered to be held for 90 days and $30,000 cash bail was ordered on the new charges.
 
Bliss is schedule to next appear in court on May 22.
 

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Hinsdale OKs Police Department Audit After Fatal Shooting

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

HINSDALE, Mass. — The town has approved $25,000 for an administrative review of the police department, more than two months after police fatally shot 27-year-old Biagio Kauvil during a mental health crisis. 

Town Administrator Robert Graves said the shooting on Jan. 7 is not the only focus of the audit, and it will be several months before the Select Board receives a final report. 

During a special town meeting on March 11, an article appropriating $25,000 from free cash for an independent consultant to conduct a professional evaluation and audit of the Town's Police Department was approved. The audit includes a review of the department's policies, protocols, operations, and procedures, and concludes with a written report. 

"The Berkshire County District Attorney's Office and Massachusetts State Police are investigating the shooting, and we await their conclusions.  As we look to move forward, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, our insurance company (MIIA/Cabot Risk), and our legal counsel have recommended that the town hire an independent law enforcement consultant or firm to conduct a comprehensive administrative review of our police operation," Graves wrote in an email to iBerkshires on Friday. 

"This event is not their focus; they will assess the overall operation. We want a written assessment of our police operation's strengths and weaknesses to help Hinsdale make future changes and improvements." 

He said after completing the procurement process and signing a contract with a reputable consultant or business, it will most likely be several months before the Select Board receives the final report. 

"Still, it will help the town and police department move forward," Graves wrote. 

Last weekend, family and friends of Kauvil stood in Park Square asking for justice. A flier for the standout reads "Biagio was killed by police while experiencing a mental health crisis. Now, over seven weeks later, authorities have not yet provided any updates.

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