40-Plus Vehicles Burglarized Overnight In Meriden: Police

MERIDEN, CT — More than 40 vehicles were burglarized during the overnight hours Thursday in Meriden, according to police.

Police said many of the vehicles had windows smashed out and items stolen from them. The suspects targeted areas that had large amounts of vehicles and the incident appeared similar to what happened in Newington the previous day, where more than 100 vehicles were broken into, according to police.

Based on what happened in Newington, Meriden police anticipated that it could happen in the city and deployed resources to “proactively conduct extra checks of our larger complexes and businesses,” according to Lt. John Mennone.

Mennone said officers who were conducting extra checks Friday morning in the area of Charles Street saw two suspects and tried to apprehend them. The suspects left in a light blue SUV and police tried to stop the vehicle, which fled toward I-691 onto I-91 North, according to Mennone.

Due to the “excessive speed and the risk to the community,” police called off the pursuit, Mennone said.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Meriden Police Department at 203-630-6345.

“We ask that you please continue to lock your vehicles and cease from keeping any valuables within the vehicle,” Mennone said. “These crimes can be limited if everyone does their part to minimize the rewards these individuals are seeking.

“Our department is committed to safety of our community and the apprehension of these individuals. This is not possible without the assistance of the community. If anyone has any security camera footage, please notify the police department.”