Juvenile, 12, Arrested In Connection To Purse Thefts In Derby: Police

DERBY, CT — A 12-year-old juvenile was arrested in connection to a police investigation into recent purse thefts reported in Derby, police announced Sunday night.

In a news release, police said the New Haven juvenile was arrested on an active warrant following the department's investigation into recent purse thefts in town.

On Wednesday, police said they were investigating several recent purse thefts reported at a shopping plaza on New Haven Avenue.

According to police, the purses were stolen from vehicles while shoppers were loading groceries.

"For clarification, these were not purse snatchings and no violence occurred," police said in a news release. "In most cases, the thefts occurred unbeknownst to the vehicle operators."

According to police, the juvenile was charged with larceny of a motor vehicle, conspiracy to commit larceny of a motor vehicle, operating a motor vehicle without a license, sixth-degree larceny and conspiracy to commit sixth-degree larceny.

Anyone with information or questions related to the case is asked to contact the Derby Police Department.