Newtown Police Chief Explains Last Week's 'Code Red' Message

NEWTOWN, CT — Newtown residents last week received a "Code Red" message from Police Chief James Viadero warning them about three daylight attempted vehicle burglaries, and the chief took to Facebook to explain his reasons for sending the warning.

On June 7, the department received reports of people trying to break into vehicles in driveways during daylight hours, which Viadero said prompted the message.

"While the issuance of the code red was not a common practice it was believed because of the brazenness of the attempts, and out of concern for public safety involving similar incidents that had transpired in adjoining communities, accompanied by the potential of violence if confronted, the alert was issued," Viadero wrote.

The suspects had been seen in a black Lincoln SUV, and that same vehicle had been seen under similar circumstances recently in other towns. Newtown authorities did not disclose where the attempted vehicle burglaries had occurred.

"It is always the intent to provide professional and compassionate police services to our community, this agency realizes that the text of the alert needed to be more defined, giving particular locations of the attempts, not just limiting the information to the descriptors of the parties and vehicle," Viadero said. "It has always been the commitment of this agency to protect all members of our community while providing the services that are expected."

No arrests have been made in Newtown, but the department issued tips for avoiding falling victim to such crimes.