WEYMOUTH, Mass. — A rash of computer generated bomb threats have caused quite a commotion.
The problem with the calls is that police say they are difficult to trace.
Weymouth’s mayor told FOX25 the calls put an unwanted burden on resources.
"We had multiple incidents and we relied on mutual aid from three other law enforcement entities in the area," said Mayor Bob Hedlund. "You have to take every threat seriously."
Police are working to see if the threats are tied in with a rash of similar calls made to schools in many towns.
"They'll just make it look as if they are using a computer somewhere completely different from where they are actually sitting," MetroLEC Officer Andrew Jurewich said.
The Boston-area has a computer crimes unit that works under the Metropolitan Law Enforcement Council, known as Metro LEC. Officers assigned to the unity use technology of their own to solve crimes.
"A lot of the times we are able to trace back to where that call is coming from," Jurewich said.
But the biggest challenge is tracking down the person after finding the device used.
"They don't have to provide a real identity when signing up for these services or buying these cell phones or other devices that they are making these calls with," said Jurewich.
Police then have to work with some stores and businesses to determine who bought the device used. In some cases, that means going through store surveillance video, which can take time.
Like any criminal case, the warrant process also takes time. Even after officials identify a suspect, it can take a little time to make the arrest.