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03/15/2022 03:57 PMThe investigation into the vandalism incident this past November in which a number of residential windows were broken around the Town Green is ongoing, according to Guilford Police Chief Butch Hyatt, who also shared several warnings about recent scams and vehicle crimes.
Readers may remember an incident from this past November during the town’s Tree Lighting Ceremony, when six residences in relative close proximity to the green were vandalized by someone breaking out windows with a non-ballistic weapon, most likely a sling shot or “wrist rocket” style device. No one was injured in the incidents, but there were people at home and in the rooms, including children, when these projectiles broke through windows, making for a number of angry and scared homeowners.
Hyatt said that no arrests are imminent, but he had hopes that some of the evidence gathered during the subsequent investigation might prove valuable in pointing to a culprit(s). According to Hyatt, evidence has been sent to the Connecticut State Crime Lab and is currently awaiting testing.
“We still have evidence up at the lab. Unfortunately, these matters get prioritized, when a homicide or another serious occurs, those crimes normally get preference and other case are pushed further down obviously, so we are still waiting for some of that to get back to us,” Hyatt said. “We currently don’t have an update on that yet, but we are cautiously hopeful. This is still a case that is active with us.”
In other crime updates, Hyatt said that though vehicle break ins and thefts are still occurring across the shoreline, efforts by the department to raise awareness appear to have helped mitigate the level of these crimes. According to several area police departments, this type of crime can be cyclical and Hyatt recommended that residents continue to take preventive measures to mitigate the chances of being a victim.
“Remember to lock your cars. The remains the most important factor. Those criminals are still out there doing that kind of stuff. We have been successful in pushing them out of here, but we still get an occasional one coming around. We still always recommend [residents] take your keys out of your car, hide any valuables, and lock your car—all that is important and can really help prevent these types of crimes.”
These simple actions can actually be huge deterrents for crime, according to Hyatt.
“If somebody wants your car bad enough, they’ll find a way to get it, but what we are seeing with these kids who are breaking into cars on these house cameras and Ring cameras...is hit and run. They run up the driveway and check the car door. If it’s locked, they are in and out of there in five seconds and on to the next target,” said Hyatt. “If it’s open, they get right in and start looking for valuables. So, it really is the easiest thing to do-just lock your car.”
Hyatt also said this time of year can see an increase in phone scamming cons, especially versions using the IRS as a front to intimidate and scam residents.
“This time of year we start seeing a lot of the scams in particular the IRS scams. Typically, the IRS doesn’t reach out to taxpayers via phone. They normally use mail or a letter,” Hyatt said. “The IRS will not call people for personal information—things like that are not going to happen. If residents get any calls like that, calls that seem suspicious, don’t give out any personal information and please contact us at the department for guidance. Just call us and let us know, and we will work them through it.”
The Guilford Police Department non-emergency number for assistance is 203-453-8061.