Mayor Addresses ‘Appalling’ Robberies In Hamden

HAMDEN, CT — Officials are working on increasing the police presence in shopping centers in Hamden due to the recent increase in violent robberies, according to Mayor Lauren Garrett.

Garrett addressed the recent crime in a post on Facebook.

“Recently we have seen an increase in robberies perpetrated on our elderly residents that have been appalling to us all,” Garrett wrote in the post. “The callousness of the perpetrators is cowardly, and I regard these attacks with the utmost concern. I have had the opportunity to communicate with several of the victims and their families.

“At the end of January, I spoke with the man who was assaulted and robbed near Edgerton Park while walking his dog. I expressed my sympathies and sent him information about getting his driver's license replaced.

“Yesterday, I spoke with the husband of the woman that was attacked outside of Marshall's. He complimented the police department on their compassionate and understanding response. I explained that I was committed to working with the HPD to find solutions to better safeguard the community. To that end, I am in regular communication with Police Chief John Sullivan about patrols and other crime prevention strategies. We have discussed where to put additional patrols and police presence in the parking lots of our shopping centers.”

An 83-year-old woman suffered a serious hip injury when she was knocked to the ground during an attempted robbery at the Hamden Plaza on Saturday morning, according to police. The victim was walking through the parking lot when a man tried to take her purse, police said.

Police are also investigating a series of thefts from motor vehicles, in which the windows were smashed Monday morning at the Hamden Plaza. Police said the windows were smashed on the vehicles and items, including purses, were taken from some vehicles while the owners were working out in the gym.

“Additionally, I have been in contact with Andrew Bermant, the owner of the Hamden Plaza, who cares deeply about the safety of the community and the Plaza,” Garrett said. “He has invested in additional energy-efficient lighting, security cameras, and security patrols. We, plaza ownership, HPD, and my administration, are collectively working together and discussing additional protective measures.”

See also:

• 76-Year-Old Man Assaulted, Robbed Outside Home: Hamden Police
• Purse-Snatching, Attempted Armed Robbery Investigated: Hamden PD
• Purse-Snatcher Shoved Woman In Broad Daylight Robbery: Hamden PD
• Woman, 83, Injured In Attempted Purse-Snatching: Hamden Police
• Vehicle Windows Smashed, Items Stolen In Broad Daylight In Hamden