Suffield Police Report Surge In Auto Theft, Burglary

SUFFIELD, CT — Police are reporting a "dramatic increase" in auto theft and burglary, saying that a state law is to blame. Police wrote on Facebook that nine vehicles were stolen in 2018, but that number tripled to 31 last year.

"The offenders are primarily juveniles/young adults, working in groups, and oftentimes, repeat offenders," police wrote.

Police said The Uniform Statewide Pursuit Policy prohibits police officers from chasing vehicles for property crimes and motor vehicle violations.

"This policy greatly impacts law enforcement’s ability to apprehend these juveniles. The result: offenders have no fear of arrest when fleeing in a vehicle; they are emboldened; and incidents continue to escalate including the use of real or facsimile firearms."

Police said the most recent incident was this past Sunday when a group stole a vehicle in Suffield and then burglarized cars in several neighborhoods in town. Residents reported the criminal activity, and the police located the suspects, but no arrests were made because the thieves fled in vehicles.

"The Suffield Police Department shares the community’s growing frustration. Please be assured that Town leadership continues to urge state lawmakers to address this issue."

Police warned that residents should stay safe by not confronting thieves, who may be armed, and instead call 911. They also reminded people to lock their car doors and remove valuables from their vehicles.