Morbid Curiosity Book Club to meet Thursday at Derby Neck Library

DERBY - Join Kate at 6:30 p.m. Thursday in the Community Room of Derby Neck Library for a lively discussion of Helltown: The Untold Story of a Serial Killer on Cape Cod by Casey Sherman.

Morbid Curiosity Book Club is a monthly discussion of true crime and spooky nonfiction. Murder! Crime! Ghosts! Mortuary Science! Cults! It's all fair game in this creepy, adults-only book group.

The Library is at 307 Hawthorne Ave.

Shared from the Library's event calendar.

Ansonia Police recognize outstanding work by Officer Paul Smith, K9 partner

Officer Paul Smith and K9 partner Kane

The Ansonia Police Department would like to recognize Officer Paul Smith and his K9 partner Kane for some outstanding work this past week.

On Saturday [July 27] Officer Smith and Kane assisted the Milford Police Department in evidence recovery after a male wanted on felony charges fled from the Milford Police. 

Officer Smith and Kane were able to locate a knife and personal items discarded by the suspect in a wooded area. The suspect was located and taken into custody by the Milford Police Department.

On Tuesday Officer Smith and Kane located a suspect in an evading motor vehicle accident in Ansonia after he abandoned his car. 

Officer Smith and Kane tracked the suspect from his car and he was taken into custody without further incident.

This is shared from the Ansonia PD Facebook page. 

Seymour Public Library to hold program on true crime in Connecticut history

 

Morbid Curiosity Book Club to meet at Derby Neck Library

DERBY -The Morbid Curiosity Book Club will meet at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Derby Neck Library to discuss Ghostland: An American History in Haunted Places by Colin Dickey. 

From the infamous “most haunted” hotels, mansions, and prisons to privately owned homes and quiet cemeteries, Colin Dickey is determined to investigate the power that ghost stories hold over our collective consciousness. 

Join us as we discuss this spooky and insightful book.

The Library is at 307 Hawthorne Ave.

This is shared from the Library's Facebook page.

Klarides-Ditria: Hearing to focus on act revising juvenile crime statutes

The notable rise in crime, especially juvenile crime, across Connecticut is a growing concern in all 169 cities and towns.  Locked cars are being ransacked and stolen from driveways and even from inside garages like one poor woman in Glastonbury who had her car stolen twice! Recently, some thieves have gotten so brazen that they’ve moved past property crimes and have begun carjacking innocent men and women at the gas pump. We know you’re fed up. We are too, and we hear you!  The House Republican Caucus understands your frustration with the failed policies that are putting criminals back on the streets within hours of an arrest. The cops say there’s nothing they can do until the laws are changed.  Here’s how we propose to do that. HB 5418- AN ACT REVISING JUVENILE AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE STATUTES AND INSURANCE STATUTES CONCERNING THEFT OF A MOTOR VEHICLE - will, among other things: Require a judge to order DCF to conduct a family investigation when a juvenile is charged with: a felony, a Class A Misdemeanor, a charge resulting from loss of life or serious physical injury, a sexual assault, a serious juvenile offense, or an offense involving use of a firearm Require an automatic transfer to adult court for juveniles 13 years or older charged with committing a class A felony a class B felony resulting in death, a violent sexual assault or a violent crime involving use of a firearm Require juvenile matters be adjudicated in the district where the crime is alleged to have been committed Require the state Judicial Department to report about its many juvenile diversionary programs, including an overview of each particular program, its costs, as well as its success in reducing recidivism Register to Testify Monday’s PUBLIC HEARING is your chance to tell the legislature your story and let them know what you want to see changed! Registration will close on Sunday, March 13, 2022 at 3 p.m.  JUDICIARY COMMITTEE MONDAY, MARCH 14, 2022 The Judiciary Committee will hold a public hearing on Monday, March 14, 2022 at 10 a.m. via Zoom. The public hearing can be viewed via YouTubeLive. In addition, the public hearing may be recorded and broadcast live on CT-N.com. Individuals who wish to testify via Zoom must register using the On-line Testimony Registration Form. Registration will close on Sunday, March 13, 2022 at 3 p.m. Speaker order of approved registrants will be posted on the Judiciary Committee website on Sunday, March 13, 2022 at 6 p.m. under Public Hearing Testimony. If you do not have internet access, you may provide testimony via telephone.  To register to testify by phone, call the Phone Registrant Line at (860) 240-5255 to leave your contact information. Please email written testimony in Word or PDF format to JUDtestimony@cga.ct.gov. Testimony should clearly state testifier name and related Bills.  The Committee requests that testimony be limited to matters related to the items on the Agenda. Speakers will be limited to three minutes of testimony.  The Committee encourages witnesses to submit a written statement and to condense oral testimony to a summary of that statement.  All public hearing testimony, written and spoken, is public information. As such, it may be made available on the Judiciary Committee's website and indexed by internet search engines. Sincerely,

Berthel backs GOP proposals to address violent crime in CT

State Sen. Eric Berthel

HARTFORD - State Sen. Eric Berthel, R-32, Thursday issued a statement supporting the Connecticut Senate Republicans’ package of legislative proposals to address the surge in violent crime across Connecticut. 

The plan, A Better Way to a Safer Connecticut, includes justice reforms to improve crime response, support law enforcement, and remove barriers to intervention services, as well as policies to address the root causes of crime including issues related to trauma, education, housing and jobs.

“Public safety should be our most essential priority. Right now, people do not feel safe in their own home or when out in the community. We see almost daily stories of violent crime with law-abiding citizens as the victims. This is not fear-mongering or playing politics. This is a fact - simply looking at a newspaper proves this point,” said Berthel.

“We must restore law enforcement’s ability to prevent and stop crime and also look at the root causes for those crimes. This is a holistic plan that addresses these matters. 

"Everyone in Connecticut deserves the opportunity to succeed and this success begins with access to jobs. For youthful offenders, as a ranking member of our Education Committee, this includes a strong pipeline to these jobs by way of mentors and apprentice/internships. I hope that my colleagues on the other side of the aisle join me in supporting these initiatives to restore a Connecticut where everyone has the tools to succeed,” he said.

READ the plan in full at CTSenateRepublicans.com (https://ctsenaterepublicans.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/101321_ASaferConnecticut_SRO.pdf).

WATCH the press conference: https://ct-n.com/ctnplayer.asp?odID=19011


PLAN HIGHLIGHTS:

Part 1: Crime Response
Increase information sharing and modify standards around detention orders
Require next day court for juveniles to expedite access to services
Ensure current programs are effective in addressing recidivism rates
Better recognize when a juvenile needs enhanced services and supports available through the adult court system, with the protections of the Youthful Offender docket in place.

Part 2: Prevention and Opportunity
Support for community programs focused on trauma, truancy, mediation, and mentorship
Workforce development programs
Partnerships with schools and local businesses to create a pipeline to careers
Summer jobs program
Vocational program recruitment
Safe housing policies

Part 3: Support Police & Safe Communities
Law enforcement recruitment
Targeted modifications to laws to enable police officers to do their jobs and keep people safe
Expand explorer programs to build better relationships between young people and our officers

CRIME STATISTICS:

HARTFORD is on pace for one of its deadliest years in decades, with 29 murders reported as of Oct. 2. A year over year 61.1% increase in murder.
NEW HAVEN murders year to date up 37.5%, assault with firearms up 9.5%, shots fired up 68% from 2020, a 122% increase from 2019, as of Sept. 12, 2021.
WATERBURY year to date all crime up 13.4%, murder up 28.6%, auto theft up 23%.
MIDDLETOWN homicide rate the highest it has been since 1993.
The number of homicides in Connecticut increased 31% in 2020 according to the FBI, just over the historic 30% increase nationwide. Nationally, this is the largest single-year increase ever recorded in the country, according to official FBI statistics.
FBI data shows car thefts in CT rose 42.5% from 2019-2020. Nationwide increase was 11.8%. CT Motor Vehicle Theft Arrest in 2020: 667 …CT Motor Vehicle Theft Offense Counts in 2020: 7,773.
According to AAA National Insurance Crime Bureau, Connecticut saw a 42% increase in stolen vehicles in 2020 as compared to 2019. Almost 6,000 vehicles were stolen in 2019, which would suggest more than 8,500 vehicles were stolen in 2020.
Auto theft-related arrests have risen 23% in 2020 compared to the first full year of data gathered in 2019, according to a Judicial Branch report.


Berthel represents Connecticut's 32nd District, which includes the towns of Bethlehem, Bridgewater, Middlebury, Oxford, Roxbury, Seymour, Southbury, Washington, Watertown, and Woodbury. 

www.senatorberthel.com

This is a press release from Berthel's office.

Ansonia Police seek suspect in purse snatching in Stop & Shop parking lot

 

ANSONIA - Police responded to a report of a purse snatching at 11:55 a.m. Monday in the parking lot of Stop & Shop, 100 Division St., Lt. Patrick Lynch said Wednesday in a release. 

The female victim was in the parking lot putting groceries in her car when a male approached and grabbed her purse. 

After a brief struggle, the male was able to take the purse from the victim. 

The male suspect fled in a black 2008 Lexus IS with Massachusetts registration 6NS242, the car had been previously reported stolen to the Orange Police Department. 

The male suspect was described as a black male in his 20s, 5’6” tall wearing dark clothing, Lynch said. There was a possible three more people in the stolen Lexus.

 

The department is asking anyone with information to please contact 203-735-1885 or tips can be left anonymously through TIP 411 at the link below.

https://www.tip411.com/tips/new?alert_group_id=21553

This is a press release from the Ansonia Police Department.

Bad news in Ansonia saddens longtime resident

ANSONIA - As a longtime resident who loves the city where we raised our two children it saddened me yesterday to post two reports of armed robberies here.

They occurred less than 18 hours apart. I won't re-post details but the good news is that no shots were fired in either situation. 

Although I normally don't post hard news I feel it's important to get the word out about violent crime in the community. So when I receive an emailed media release from Ansonia Police - or any department - I'll post it.

With the COVID-19 pandemic and what it has inflicted upon all segments of society it seems 2020 will never give up. Nothing feels "normal."

That's why whenever possible I make it a point to take and post photos of squirrels, birds, sunsets, fall foliage, and such to lighten the mood. 

I hope it helps. I know for certain it helps me.

S&A Mart in Ansonia robbed at gunpoint Tuesday

ANSONIA - The S & A Mart, 95 Division St., was robbed at gunpoint shortly before 7 p.m. Tuesday, police said in a written release.

Two males, one armed with a handgun, entered the store and demanded the employee turn over all the money in the register. 

Several hundred dollars and store merchandise were taken during the robbery. 

This is the second armed robbery in a week in the same area. The Wakelee Mart at 192 Wakelee Ave. was robbed Oct. 14.

The suspects are described as black males, one tall and thin wearing a blue hooded sweatshirt, grey pants, black face mask and carrying a black handgun, the other medium height and weight wearing a tan and camouflage hooded sweatshirt, blue jeans, and black face mask. 

The suspects fled the store on foot towards Wakelee Avenue. 

The department is asking anyone with information to please contact 203-735-1885 or tips can be left anonymously through TIP 411 at the link below.

https://www.tip411.com/tips/new?alert_group_id=21553

This is a press release from Ansonia Police Lt. Patrick Lynch. 

Benches on Derby Greenway vandalized

This was posted today on the Derby Greenway Facebook page:

"Wondering if anyone might have seen or heard anything about this apparent vandalism that took place to two benches on the Derby Greenway this week. 
"Please share this with others."

Ansonia Police Department launches service to help with crime tips, alerts

ANSONIA - The Ansonia Police Department is happy to announce a new service to help with crime tips and community alerts. 
The new tip411 service will allow citizens to report crime tips anonymously and also sign up to receive important alerts from the Ansonia Police Department. 
The directions detailing how to sign up and download the app are provided in the attached flyer. 
Links also can be found on the City of Ansonia’s website.

Shared from the Ansonia Police Department's Facebook page.

Hilltop Hose in Ansonia to host block watch meeting

ANSONIA - Mayor David S. Cassetti, Police Chief Kevin Hale, Police Officer Rick Esposito, Vinnie Scarlata (Block Watch Coordinator), Ed Norman, and members of the Board of Aldermen will hold the second Neighborhood Block Watch Meeting for residents of the Hilltop area. 

It will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday at Hilltop Hose Company No. 5 firehouse, 80 Pulaski Highway.

The meeting is being convened to seek captains who will coordinate their individual areas and residents that would like to be active members of the block watch. 

“Please join us," Cassetti said today. "I want our residents to stay active and involved in this block watch. It is important to stay informed and to help your fellow neighbors. If everyone remains diligent, we will keep crime at bay."

The meeting will focus on the purpose and goals of a block watch and how the block watch will be implemented going forward. 

Also being discussed is personal home security with a concentration on ensuring the safety and well-being of our most vulnerable neighbors such as seniors and the homebound. 

There will also be information and literature handed out to all attendees.

This is a press release from Mayor David S. Cassetti's office.

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.