Yarmouth police chief lays out summer safety priorities: scams, traffic, fireworks and e-bikes

Chief Kevin Lennon of the Yarmouth Police Department outlined a range of summer public-safety priorities for residents and visitors during a local podcast interview, warning that scams, heavier traffic and illegal fireworks demand extra caution as the Cape’s population swells for the season.

Lennon said the department is seeing more financial crimes and telephone scams that often target older, isolated residents. "You get a telephone call...they will never ask for payment via a gift card," he said, and described a Yarmouthport case in which officers intervened before an elderly resident lost nearly $100,000 and an arrest in Western Massachusetts followed.

Traffic and crowding are also top concerns, Lennon said. He described how call volume spikes in summer and the department increases staffing on busy weekends — "when we normally run a shift with five officers in the summer, if it's a Friday, it might be seven" — and urged drivers to plan routes, leave extra time and be patient to reduce accidents and road-rage incidents.

On beaches and family safety, Lennon recommended a reunification plan for parents and children: instruct children to look for a lifeguard or police officer if they become separated. He also stressed interagency coordination with recreation, fire, DPW and natural-resources staff for large events, especially around the Fourth of July and the town's 250th anniversary.

Addressing fireworks, Lennon cited Massachusetts law and warned that possession of fireworks — "even a sparkler" — is illegal locally. "We are mandated to seize the fireworks," he said, adding that selling fireworks can be an arrestable offense and urging people to "leave it to the professionals."

Lennon offered safety guidance for specific vehicles: for motorcycles he urged riders to be alert and drivers to "give them space," noting that distracted driving raises crash risk; for micromobility he said pedal-assist ebikes are allowed on bike paths (not sidewalks) and that riders under 16 must wear helmets. He also cautioned that some throttle-only electric dirt bikes (no pedals) are treated like motorcycles and said riders may need a driver's license; he said he would follow up with more detail on age limits.

Lennon closed with practical reminders: lock houses and cars, watch for opportunistic thieves, designate sober drivers or use ride-sharing, and enjoy Yarmouth respectfully. He also noted the department is recruiting (two current openings) and is sending three people to the academy.

The interview emphasized prevention, visible community policing and de-escalation as the department’s first approaches to the busy season. Listeners were directed to the town and department recruitment pages for job information and to town resources for traffic and event updates.