Derby Police arrest second juvenile in recent purse thefts

DERBY - The Derby Police Department has made a 2nd arrest in connection with the recent purse thefts.

A 13-year-old juvenile from New Haven was taken into custody on an active warrant following our investigation.

The juvenile is charged with:

C.G.S. 53a-119c(3) – Larceny of a Motor Vehicle (Stolen Vehicle)

53a-48/53a-119c – Conspiracy to Commit Larceny of a Motor Vehicle

53a-125b – Larceny in the Sixth Degree

53a-48/53a-125b – Conspiracy to Commit Larceny in the Sixth Degree

If you have information related to this case, please contact the Derby Police Department @ 203-735-7811. Callers can remain anonymous.

Together, we keep our community safe!

Shared from the Derby Police Department Facebook page.

Derby Police arrest juvenile, 12, in recent purse thefts

From the Derby Police Department:

We have arrested a 12-year-old juvenile from New Haven on an active warrant following our investigation into the recent purse thefts.

The charges include:

C.G.S. 53a-119c(3) – Larceny of a Motor Vehicle (stolen vehicle)

53a-48/53a-119c – Conspiracy to Commit Larceny of a Motor Vehicle

14-36 – Operating a Motor Vehicle Without a License

53a-125b – Larceny in the Sixth Degree

53a-48/53a-125b – Conspiracy to Commit Larceny in the Sixth Degree

This warrant stems from the theft of purses from motor vehicles while groceries were being loaded.

For clarification, these were not purse snatchings and no violence occurred. In most cases, the thefts occurred unbeknownst to the vehicle operators.

If you have any information or questions related to this case, please contact the Derby Police Department.

Together, we keep our community safe!

Derby Police warn public to remain aware after recent purse thefts

Theft Alert – Big Y Plaza

The Derby Police Department is investigating several recent purse thefts that occurred while shoppers were loading groceries at the Big Y Plaza, 656 New Haven Ave.

Our investigations show the suspects are arriving in stolen vehicles and wearing full face masks.

Please take precautions and help protect yourself:

Lock your car – Always secure your vehicle, even for quick stops.

Hide your valuables – Keep purses, backpacks, and other items out of sight.

Stay alert – Pay attention to your surroundings, especially in parking lots and public areas.

Report suspicious activity – Note the location, suspect description, and direction of travel, then call the Derby Police Department immediately.

Your awareness and cooperation are vital to keeping our community safe.

If you have information, contact us at 203-735-7811 or dial 911.

Shared from the Derby Police Department Facebook page.

Residents of Wesley Village in Shelton learn how to avoid scams targeting seniors

From left: Shelton Police Officer Brian Yerzak; Donna Brice, Resident Services Coordinator, Wesley Heights; Shelton Police Officer John Staples; Hailey Monroe, Resident Services Coordinator, Wesley Heights; and Chris Pisani of Fore Senior Benefits./ Contributed photo

SHELTON - Residents at Wesley Heights Senior Living Community met with local police officers earlier this month to learn how to protect themselves from scams.

The presentation, organized by Chris Pisani, owner of Fore Senior Benefits, which provides senior health care guidance, cautioned residents about ongoing scams that are specifically targeting seniors.

Many of the residents were familiar with what was dubbed the “Grandparent Scam” by police.

In this instance, a person will pose as a family member in need of emergency funds due to an accident or loss of credit cards while traveling overseas, in hopes that the grandparent will offer to send money or give out credit card information.

“Seniors are particularly susceptible to scams asking for money from a family member or to help a church organization,” said Brice. “It is a characteristic of their generation – to help family and be a good neighbor.”

Shelton Police Officers Brian Yerzak and John Staples were particularly concerned with the seniors falling prey to “purse snatchers” in local stores.

Yerzak cautioned residents against keeping their purses and wallets in baskets on their walkers or shopping carts.  

“Keep valuables, wallets and important identification close to you,” Yerzak said. “Anything in plain sight is easily stolen, especially when you are shopping or otherwise distracted.”

Fore Senior Benefits has been sponsoring talks at local senior living communities to help raise awareness about risky situations, including social media scams and illegal solicitations of funds, which disproportionately affect older seniors.

“Partnering with the local police departments helps to foster a genuine sense of collaboration and community,” Pisani said, adding that Wesley Village is committed to promoting senior well-being. 

“Educating residents about the importance of these safety issues is critical," said Lisa Bisson, Wesley Village Director of Community Outreach. 

“We appreciate the support of the Shelton Police Department and community partners like Fore Senior Benefits.”

About Fore Senior Benefits: Fore Senior Benefits is committed to providing comprehensive and personalized guidance on senior healthcare options. Our mission is to empower seniors in making informed decisions that align with their unique needs and preferences. 

For more information, contact Christian Pisani at 860-261-2806 or christianpisani@foreseniorbenefits.com or visit Fore Senior Benefits website. 

This is a press release from United Methodist Homes.

Ansonia Police seeking info on 2 thefts of purses from cars

 

ANSONIA - Ansonia Police investigated two reports of purses stolen from cars this past weekend, one from Cumberland Farms on Pershing Drive and the other from Stop and Shop on Division Street, Lt. Patrick Lynch said this afternoon in a release.

 

On Saturday at about 11:55 a.m., a female in the Stop and Shop parking lot was putting groceries in her car when someone entered the unlocked front passenger door and took her purse. 

The victim described the suspect as a black male, 5’10” tall wearing a black jacket and he was the passenger in a dark-colored SUV. 

A review of the surveillance video showed a person wearing a black jacket exit the passenger side of a grey Jeep Cherokee enter the victim’s car then return to the Jeep and leave the area. 

The Jeep had a New Jersey license plate, V67KHF, and had been reported stolen out of Stamford prior to this incident.

 

At about 7:25 a.m. Sunday, a female stopped for gas at the Cumberland Farms and when she got into her car after getting gas her purse was missing. 

The victim did not see anyone enter her car. The surveillance video from the store showed a black Dodge Challenger in the lot pull up on the passenger side of the victim’s car. A passenger from the Dodge gets out and less than 15 seconds later gets back in the Dodge and leave the lot.  

The quality of the video did not allow better description of the suspect or vehicle used by the suspect.

 

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.