Rash of House And Vehicle Break-ins

Police Chief Donald Palma warns residents that thefts from cars and housebreaks in Groton are on the increase and advises residents to lock doors and windows in their homes and to lock their cars. The Chief said that breaks are not lim¬ited to any one section of town. Housebreaks are also occurring in many of the town surrounding Groton.

Monday night, there were 15 thefts from cars in the Wharton Row and Town Forest Road area. Many vehicles were unlocked. Thieves took radios, GPSs, change and other valuables.

Last week, there were four re¬ported daytime housebreaks with forced entry through side and back doors. "These 'hit and run' thieves look for anything they can pick up quickly including tablets, computers, laptops, cameras and jewelry," the Chief said.

Chief Palma cautions residents not to leave valuables in view of windows. He stressed that with the approach of the holiday sea¬son, gifts should not be left in cars and should also be out of view of windows. He recommended that residents leave on lights as well as their TV and/or radio when they are not at home.

Both thefts from cars and the housebreaks are under active in¬vestigation.

"Be aware of anyone in your neighborhood that does not be¬long there, and keep an eye on your neighbor's house as well," the Chief said, adding that anything suspicious should be reported to the Police Department.