www.berlincitizen.com
Volume 22, Number 35
Thursday, October 29, 2020
ELECTION 2020 Vehicle theft, break-ins jump Rematch in the 83rd District Vehicle theft is on the rise and police say drivers are making it easy for criminals. The number of stolen cars in Berlin jumped by 186 percent in the last year — from 15 in 2019 to 43 during 2020, according to the Police Department. In all of these cases, keys were left inside an unlocked vehicle. Deputy Police Chief Christopher Ciuci suggested that stolen vehicles are being used as a "mode of transportation to commit other crimes, for joyriding, or for their parts and accessories like tires and rims." The number of auto break-ins has also spiked. As of Oct. 30, police recorded 196 cases. Last year during the same time period they recorded 39 — a staggering 402 percent increase. In most of these incidents, cars were also unlocked, allowing thieves
to swoop in and get their hands on unsecured valuables. “It’s just too easy for them,” said Ciuci. “It's a very lucrative business for burglars — they can sell scrap metal and personal valuables for cash. Unfortunately, many people don’t lock their cars. ” Although Ciuci said the exact reason for increased auto crime is hard to pin down, he suggested that the coronavirus outbreak and high unemployment contributed to the problem. “It may be due to the pandemic and lockdown. Many people are not working, they need money, and it's easy money,” said Ciuci. He also suggested some criminals are aware of the statewide policy on police pursuit, which says officers can only chase a vehicle if a crime of violence is involved. See Vehicle, A21
By Michael Gagne Record-Journal staff
Democrat Cathy Abercrombie has held the 83rd District seat in the state House of Representatives for nearly eight full terms. This November’s contest is a rematch against Abercrombie’s 2018 opponent, Republican Lou Arata. Two years ago Abercrombie’s margin of victory was 315 votes: 4,765 to Arata’s 4,450 as the Republican and Independent party See 83rd, A18
Candidates for the 83rd District seat are pictured: Democrat Cathy Abercrombie and Republican Lou Arata.
The big day is upon us Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3. All polling places will be open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. District 1: Emma Hart Willard School - 1088 Norton Road, Kensington; District 2: VFW - 152 Massirio Drive, Berlin; District 3: Richard D. Hubbard School - 139 Grove St., East Berlin; District 4: Berlin Senior Center 31 Colonial Drive, Kensington; District 5: Mary E. Griswold School - 133 Heather Lane, Kensington. Absentee ballots must be received by Nov. 3 at 8 p.m. The Town Clerk will check the Ballot Box located in front of Town Hall every business day. Absentee ballots that are mailed must be delivered by the Post Office by Nov. 3. Sample ballots can be viewed at town.berlin.ct.us. R233461
By Nadya Korytnikova The Citizen