Ansonia Hilltop residents learn about burglaries, block watch plans

Ansonia Police Officer Rick Esposito addresses an overflow crowd Tuesday evening in the parking lot of Hilltop Hose Company 5 firehouse on Pulaski Highway. Mayor David S. Cassetti, at podium, listens to the presentation.

Ansonia residents cram into firehouse to get information about recent break-ins and attempted break-ins in the Hilltop section of the city.

Officials estimated that more than 300 residents attended the informational meeting.

Ansonia Police Chief Kevin Hale said the large turnout was "a very good thing. It's a very good step going forward." 
He said six burglaries had occurred between Aug. 6 and Aug. 21. "There have been more attempts than actual burglaries," Hale said. "Every entry has been through an open or unlocked window. No force has been used except for a cut screen, and we're not even sure of that."

Hale said all of the break-ins and attempted break-ins have occurred between 11:30 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. Stolen items included small electronics, including laptops and cell phones.

He said, "We have enhanced our presence up here tremendously but we haven't taken away from patrols in other parts of the city."


As Hilltop residents my husband and I were both glad to see the community turn out and share their concerns. 

Please click here for a story by Jean Falbo-Sosnovich, New Haven Register correspondent.