Car thefts

From A1

These statistics are not unusual. Since 2020, the start of the pandemic, police throughout the country have seen an increase in car breakins and thefts. Oftentimes, car crimes are perpetrated by juveniles.

Last summer, Gov. Ned Lamont signed into law Public Act 22-115, which updated Connecticut’s criminal justice statutes. Lamont said the changes aim to make "juvenile arrest and delinquency proceedings swifter with more information for courts to review, provide more intensive responses to the small number of juveniles with serious and repeated charges, and restructure motor vehicle theft laws to focus on people with prior offenses. ”

Recently, the theft of a car in Wallingford led to a drive-by purse-snatching in Meriden where a victim was dragged under the car.

In another troubling incident, a victim left their car

Housing plan

A draft of North Haven’s 2022-27 Affordable Housing Plan is available on the municipal website. The state require that all 169 Connecticut municipalities prepare and adopt an affordable housing plan at least once every five years. The statute requires that the plan specify how a municipality intends to increase its number of affordable housing options.

Lions Club

The North Haven Lions Club has served the town since 1952. Through Second Saturday activities, the Lions unattended at a gas pump and the perpetrator jumped in and drove off, snapping off the hose that was still connected to the vehicle.

Deputy Chief Stavrides indicated that police departments don't have the resources to simply stamp out car crimes. He pointed out that the NHPD had 2,258 calls for service in January. These can be anything from a downed tree blocking a road, to a fist fight. No matter the reason, those calls tie up police personnel.

Deputy Chief Frederick Jortner of the Cheshire Police Department said there is no “100% foolproof method” to prevent car burglaries or thefts.

However, he said people should get into a nightly routine making sure their vehicle is locked and protected.

“Make sure your car doors are locked at night before you go to bed,” Jortner said.

“Make sure your valuables are secure, your car is locked. That will reduce victimization.” nzappone@record-journal.com

203-317-2212 engage in service projects for the community. For information about North Haven Lions' service activities, or to be part of something meaningful in town, contact North Haven Lions Club President Jim Bennett at pdgjim98@ gmail.com.

Ballpark jobs

The Hartford Yard Goats Baseball Club, the Double-A Eastern League affiliate of the Colorado Rockies, announced it will be holding its annual job fair at Dunkin’ Donuts Park (1214 Main St., Hartford) Saturday, Feb. 18, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.