Southington Police Investigating Recent Thefts

By Justin Muszynski, The Bristol Press

September 14, 2021

Southington police are investigating six reports of car burglaries over the past week involving victims who were parked at local gas stations.

Police on Monday said that, in all the cases, the victims’ cars were unlocked and unoccupied while they were either pumping gas or inside the gas station. The suspects, police said, have arrived in vehicles, pulling alongside the victims, before exiting their car to steal a purse or backpack that was in plain sight in the victim’s car.

The suspects have then gone back into their car before quickly leaving, according to police.

“In all of these thefts, the vehicles have been unlocked and the stolen property was easily observed from the exterior of the vehicle,” Lt. Keith Egan said in a statement about the thefts.

“The Southington Police Department continues to investigate these incidents, and will continue to investigate any motor vehicle burglaries and thefts in the future,” Egan continued.

“As a friendly reminder, we ask all vehicle owners and operators to please lock your vehicles whenever it is left unoccupied. While at gas stations, it is best to remove your keys and lock your vehicle upon exiting to pump gas or enter the establishment. If you should carry a purse or bag of any type, please make sure that these items are not in plain view or readily accessible.”

Egan also asked that anyone with information or video from the thefts contact the Southington police Auto Theft Task Force via email, at autotheft@southingtonpolice.org.

Justin Muszynski can be reached at 860-973-1809 or jmuszynski@bristolpress.com.