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The two areas near the Bridgeport border have seen a spike in burglaries from cars in the past 10 days, police say. Fairfield police sent out a CodeRed warning to residents in the areas Thursday, advising them to look out for suspicious activity and to take steps to prevent burglaries. Police also increased patrols in the area during the overnight hours.
While on patrol, Officer Keith Pernham spotted a man wearing dark clothing and carrying a backpack on Stratfield Road at about 2 a.m., according to police reports. During an interview, the officer noticed the man had a road flare with a spiked tip in his pocket, which is commonly used to break car windows, police say.
Pernham searched the man’s bag and found electronics, prescription medications and other items, according to the police report. The items were traced to three car burglaries on Louvain Street and Lockwood Road, police say.
Ruben Cancel, 18, of Bridgeport, was charged with three counts of third-degree burglary, three counts of sixth-degree larceny, two counts of conspiracy, and one count each of possession of burglary tools and third-degree criminal mischief. He was held on $10,000 bond and taken to court Friday morning.
Fairfield police were still investigating the car break-ins, and residents warned to continue to be careful. In particular, police recommend locking all car doors, hiding valuables in trunks and making sure driveways are illuminated during dark hours. Any suspicious activity should be reported to the Fairfield police at 2013-254-4800.
“We won’t let our guards down, and [residents] shouldn’t let their down, either,” Chief Gary MacNamara said Friday.
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