Bridgeport Police Grapple With Steep Increase In Vehicle Break-Ins

BRIDGEPORT, CT — The Bridgeport Police Department has seen a sharp rise in vehicle break-ins over the past month, and authorities are asking for the public's help in thwarting such crimes.

Vehicle break-ins have risen by about 40 percent over the past month, with most occurring in Bridgeport's East Side neighborhoods (37 percent of vehicle break-ins in the past month). That is followed by the central part of the city (33 percent), and Bridgeport's West Side (30 percent), according to information provided to Patch by Tiadora Josef, the city's director of Public Information.

Between Dec. 13, 2024, and Jan. 13, 2025, several vehicle break-ins have occurred in the following areas in Bridgeport:

1. 2600 Park Ave. (Parking Lot)
2. Cherry Street Lofts (Visitor/Street Parking)
3. Saint Charles Roman Catholic Church
4. 50 Middle Street (Parking Lot)
5. Success Village
6. The Lofts at Lafayette

"[Bridgeport Police] Chief [Roderick] Porter and his command staff are working closely with community groups to address and prevent vehicle break-ins throughout the city," officials wrote on Facebook, adding that the department is reaching out to local media to provide more information to the public.

Lt. Angelo Collazo told News 12 Connecticut that many of the break-ins are "smash-and-grabs," and he recommends that people not leave anything visible that is of value inside their vehicles.

"In addition, department commanders are actively investigating these incidents, using hot spot policing informed by our crime analysis and fusion center resources," officials said. "Detectives are following up on all evidence to identify and apprehend those responsible for these crimes."

Anyone with tips, information or surveillance footage that could help Bridgeport police in fighting these crimes, is urged to contact the department at 203-576-7671, or through the tip line at 203-576-TIPS.