'Financial Troubles' Cited For Recent Theft Attempts In Vernon

VERNON, CT — On two occasions over the past several weeks people tried to steal hundreds of dollars worth of items from Vernon stores and cited coronavirus-period financial hardships as the impetus.

Police reports detail the incidents.

At 7:08 p.m. on Sept. 20, a Vernon police officer went to the 10 Pitkin Road Stop & Shop to investigate a shoplifting incident, according to a report. A 46-year-old Vernon woman was caught trying to take $602.12 worth of items, a report indicates.

The woman told police she had no intention of paying for the items because of recent financial problems, a report states.

She was charged with fifth-degree larceny.

On Oct. 3, a Harwinton woman was charged with sixth-degree larceny after an incident at the CVS at 142 Talcottville Road, according to a report.

With $411.69 worth of stuff in her cart, the woman climbed in a black sedan and tried to flee the area, a report indicates.

A police officer on patrol stopped her before she exited the parking lot. She also cited recent financial difficulties as the reason for the attempted theft, according to a report.