Rash of Car Break-ins Strikes Middletown

If you keep loose change or valuables in your car, you should lock your doors. Middletown police recently arrested three teenagers in two separate incidents, for allegedly poking around cars for change. Last week, a man was arrested for an alleged smash-and-grab at Newport Creamery.

On Saturday Jan. 26, police responded to 38 Sherman Lane after a caller complained that a man, later identified as Asher Hamilton, 18, of 29 Maple Ave., was going through his car.   The victim said he shouted and the suspect ran across Sherman Lane towards Livingston Place.   Police were able to follow the footprints left in the snow to 29 Maple Ave. Inside the house, police found a jacket that matched the caller's description and wet work boots that matched the footprints in the snow.

Hamilton allegedly admitted that he took loose change in the car which totaled $2.28.

The next day, on Sunday Jan. 27, two Newport teenagers boys, ages 15 and 16, were seen rummaging through cars around the Residence Inn area.  Police found $4.93 in change on the 15-year-old.  His mother confirmed he did not leave house with money and never has money on him, said police.  He was charged with attempted larceny.  The other teenager was charged with injuring or tampering with vehicles.

Have you heard of other reports of car break-ins around town? Tell us in the comments!