Burglars Hit Over 40 Fire-Damaged Apartments In Groton, Police Say

GROTON, CT — Police are investigating burglaries at the fire-damaged Ledges Apartments.

A three-alarm blaze tore through the building on Ledgewood Road on May 31.

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Dozens of families were displaced. Fire, smoke and water damaged many of the apartments.

Police said the "catastrophic damage rendered the building uninhabitable."

Related: 47 Families Displaced As Massive Blaze Rips Through Groton Apartment Building

Police were told Monday that numerous apartments in the building had been broken into. This occurred despite property management securing the building with locks, fencing and boarding up entrances.

Police believe over 40 apartments were broken into sometime between June 6 and June 8.

Investigators have not found evidence that the burglaries are tied to the cause of the fire. The investigation into the fire's cause is ongoing.

Investigators are asking anyone in the area to review doorbell camera footage and any other surveillance footage that may have captured activity at the complex during those dates.

"This crime is particularly disturbing because it victimized people who had already suffered a tremendous loss," Town of Groton Police Chief L.J. Fusaro said in a statement. "These residents were forced to flee a dangerous fire in the middle of the night and watched as many of their belongings, keepsakes and cherished memories were destroyed. To then have individuals exploit that tragedy for personal gain demonstrates a complete disregard for basic human decency. Our detectives are pursuing every available lead and are committed to identifying those responsible."

Anyone with information can contact Det. Sgt. H. Beauchamp or Det. J. Comeau of the Groton Police Department Criminal Investigation Division at 860-441-6712 or crimetips@groton-ct.gov.