Wallingford Police Charge Five in Connection to Car Burglaries, Thefts

Five people have been charged — three juveniles and two adults — in connection to several car break-ins and stolen vehicles that occurred in Wallingford this past summer.

Wallingford Police, with the assistance of the Meriden Police Department, arrested Meriden residents Troy Clemons, 19, and Mario Rodriguez, 20, on warrants on Jan. 4.

During the weekend of Aug. 29 and Aug. 30, 2015, the Wallingford Police Department received multiple complaints of car break-ins and two stolen motor vehicles in the areas of Newton Street, South Main Street, and Fairview Avenue, according to Lt. Michael Colavolpe.

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Colavolpe said a BMW 330xi and Jeep Grand Cherokee were stolen, in addition to unlocked vehicles being entered. Also, officers recovered a GMC Envoy on Fairview Avenue that had been reported stolen in Meriden on Aug. 27.

The Jeep was recovered on Aug. 30 and the BMW was recovered on Sept. 2, both were recovered in Meriden.

After an extensive investigation, five subjects were identified as being involved in the theft from motor vehicles and/or the stolen motor vehicles, according to Colavolpe. Three of the five subjects were juvenile males, whose information is not releasable due to their age. They were charged with larceny and burglary-related charges.

Clemons, of 15 Galloppi Road, Meriden, was charged with first-degree larceny by on-going scheme and conspiracy to commit first-degree larceny by on-going scheme.

Rodriguez, of 59 Springdale Avenue, Meriden, was charged with operating a motor vehicle without permission. Both subjects were released on $5,000 bonds and are scheduled to appear at Meriden Superior Court on Jan. 18.

“The Wallingford Police Department reminds residents to keep their vehicles locked and valuables out of sight,” Colavolpe said. “Also, it is recommended not to keep spare keys inside their vehicle.”

Pictured: Troy Clemons, 19, (first photo) and Mario Rodriguez, 20, both of Meriden

Wallingford Police Department photos