Clinton Police ‘Closing In’ on Car Burglary Suspects

CLINTON, CT — In light of a weekend crime spree, the Clinton Police Department is reminding residents to not be an “easy target” and to lock your vehicles.

More than 25 cars were burglarized, and three were stolen along with a .380 semi-automatic handgun, during an early Saturday morning crime spree in Clinton. It was the second time in about two weeks that neighborhoods in Clinton have been hit by car burglars and police believe the incidents are related.

Police said on Saturday afternoon that one of the stolen vehicles was later recovered after it was involved in a crash in Hamden. The investigation led to the discovery of four suspects who used stolen credit cards from the victims in Clinton, to make purchases in Hamden and Wallingford.

See also: Police Seek ‘Armed and Dangerous’ Suspects After Crime Spree in Clinton

Police said in a Monday update that the suspects are not in custody but authorities are “closing in” on the suspects as the investigation continues.

Read the full update posted on the Clinton Police Department’s Facebook page below:

“As many of you are aware by now, the Town of Clinton was hit hard early Saturday morning by several thieves that entered more than 25 cars, actually stealing three of them. This occurred in several different neighborhoods throughout town. These thieves took numerous items from these cars such as money, wallets, credit cards, electronics etc. There was also a handgun that was taken from one of the vehicles, which is of serious concern to us.

“This was the second time in about two weeks that a spree of car breaks has occurred in Clinton. The Clinton Police have reason to believe that these two incidents are related. However, Clinton is not exclusive to this rash of criminal activity. Other area communities have also been targeted by these or similar thieves, including towns in Fairfield, New Haven and Middlesex Counties.

“Officers and Detectives from Clinton and other Connecticut Police agencies have been working around the clock on these cases and are progressing quite well in this investigation. Some of the suspects have been tentatively identified as the investigation progresses. Rest assured Police Investigators are closing in on these suspects!

“However, these suspects are NOT in custody and are still capable of committing similar type crimes. Information that has been developed by investigators is: these thieves are targeting suburban and rural communities (such as Clinton), because they are ‘easy target areas.’ Which translates to people that reside in suburban and rural communities, routinely leave their cars unlocked, leave items of value in their cars, and in several cases leave their keys in their cars.

“Please heed this warning!!! Secure your homes and vehicles. Lock them up when you are not home or when you are asleep. Do not leave items of value in your car, especially in plain view, and Do not leave keys or wireless remote fobs in your cars. If you have exterior lighting utilize it to your advantage.

“We would also like to remind the public, if you see or hear anything you deem suspicious to please call the Clinton Police immediately at 860-669-0451.”

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