Clark’s Pharmacy Owner Blames Police Inaction for $3,000 in Vandalism; Selectmen Demand Action-August 30, 1972

Frustrated by mounting property damage and a lack of law enforcement response, Clark’s Pharmacy co-owner Robert E. Adelson brought a scathing complaint before the Board of Selectmen last night. Adelson reported that his business has suffered more than $3,000 in vandalism over the past three years, detailing a destructive list of incidents that included a physical attack on a pharmacy clerk, the burning of the firm’s delivery truck, shattered windows, and wrecked rubbish containers and mailboxes.

Adelson criticized local law enforcement for failing to make arrests despite knowing the identities of the youthful offenders—troublemakers he noted were also linked to disruptions at local schools. He added that discussions with other Norwood merchants revealed that vandalism is a widespread commercial problem, not an isolated incident. Furthermore, Adelson and the building owner pointed out that foot patrols near the Washington Street-Railroad Avenue corner had dwindled, noting that an officer now seemingly only passes the store at noon rather than maintaining regular intervals.

Selectmen Criticize Police Administration

The pharmacy owner’s testimony triggered sharp rebukes of police leadership from the board:

• Selectman Joseph W. Wall placed the blame squarely on top brass rather than rank-and-file patrolmen, declaring, “Direction is loose in the police department… The complete problem rests on the administration. I’m willing to take drastic action to straighten this out.”
• Board Chairman Walter J. Dempsey voiced complete support for Wall’s condemnation.
• Selectman William F. Butters remarked critically, “It’s a shame that a bunch of kids have our police force buffaloed.”

When questioned by Selectman John F. Lydon regarding whether he was aware of the situation, Town Manager John P. Mogan stated he knew cruisers were occasionally dispatched to clear youths from the Washington Street and Railroad Avenue corner, but admitted he was unaware of the magnitude of the problem. (Mogan also suggested Adelson should have brought the matter directly to his office after approaching the police chief).

Official Mandate Issued to Town Manager

Acting on a motion by Selectman Charles L. Rich, the board unanimously voted to direct Town Manager Mogan to order the police chief to actively keep the Clark’s Pharmacy corner clear using appropriate enforcement measures and to submit weekly status reports back to the selectmen.

Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger