The rash of vehicle break-ins and thefts continues.
At 11:45 p.m. last night, Westport Police responded to Hillspoint Road near Compo Beach — the area of an attempted theft the day before — after a 911 call reported 2 people trying to enter vehicles.
The WPD, along with members of the Bridgeport Auto-Theft Task Force, set up a perimeter. Two suspect vehicles, both stolen from other towns, were seen leaving the area.
Westport Police attempted a traffic stop. Neither vehicle complied. Members of BATF, operating unmarked cars, followed one of the vehicles to I-95, where it was stopped in Stratford. Two juveniles, 14 and 17 from Danbury, were taken into custody.
The driver was charged with engaging police in pursuit, criminal attempt to assault a public safety officer, interfering with an officer and larceny of a motor vehicle.
Both were released to the custody of their parents, with a court date in Danbury Juvenile Court.
On Tuesday Detective John Lauria and Officer Melissa Bike dusted a vehicle for fingerprints, following an attempted theft. (Photo/Andrew Colabella)
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In other police news, there were 2 custodial arrests between April 24 and May 1.
Omar Aliyhry, a 29-year-old Bronx man — the manager of Savvy Smoker — was arrested for sale of 1 kilogram or more of cannabis, and conspiracy to sell 1kg or more.
In December 2023, Westport Police began an investigation into illegal cannabis sales at the Post Road East store, following complaints of illegal activity.
Through the use of undercover officers buying illegal cannabis products and search warrants, the WPD learned that Savvy Smoker was allegedly selling illegal items, in violation of their license.
Aliyhry was released on $15,000 bond. He has a court date of May 17, at Stamford Superior Court.
A 28-year-old Bronx man was arrested and charged with identity theft, following an investigation into a July complaint that a check for $36.91 deposited in a blue USPS mailbox had been stolen, altered for $6,000, and fraudulently deposited into an unknown account.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 7 citations
Posted onNovember 22, 2023|Comments Off on Roundup: Foiled Car Thefts, 80 Turkeys, Gift Wrapping Service …
The video is grainy. But it sends an important message.
Westport’s Police Department released film from a Nest camera, recorded early Monday morning.
It shows 2 people running up a driveway, where 2 cars are parked. One person tries to open one driver’s side door; the other attempts to open the other vehicle.
Both are locked. The men quickly scamper away, to a car waiting on the road.
Screen shot of the attempted theft. A man is trying the doors of the re car; another approaches the vehicle on the left. The getaway car is at the upper right.
“A great example of what happens when you lock the car doors … they leave!” the police say.
There is no stronger proof than this: Residents should always lock their cars.
If everyone does, the difference in auto thefts will be like night and day.
(If you are on Facebook, click here to play the video.)
While many Westporters were preoccupied with planning a Thanksgiving feast for family and friends, Gillian Anderson worried about area residents who can’t afford a turkey dinner or holiday experience.
When she learned that the Light on the Hill food pantry at Summerfield United Methodist Church in Bridgeport had fallen short on its Thanksgiving food drive for 250 families, Gillian called on her friends at the Westport Rotary Club and the United Methodist Church of Westport and Weston.
They quickly volunteered to raise money, then shop and drive carloads of food — including frozen turkeys — to Bridgeport.
80 turkeys, 180 boxes of stuffing mix and 50 cans of cranberry sauce were procured and transported. All 250 families received their Thanksgiving dinners.
The Turkey Drive generated so much enthusiasm at Westport Rotary that this holiday project may become a new club tradition.
Lots of turkeys, at Summerfield United Methodist Church.
Just in time for holiday gift giving (and its tedious cousin, gift wrapping), Jean Symonette has started a new business out of her Westport home.
The Wrapping Bow-tique — a wrapping service — “understands that the presentation of a gift is as crucial as the gift itself. With hundreds of paper and ribbons to choose from, we transform ordinary presents into gifts that are as unique and beautiful as the sentiment behind them.”
The Wrapping Bow-tique also creates environmentally friendly gift boxes. All are repurposed, and reusable with lids that lift off. They are hand wrapped in premium paper, and adorned with bows.
For many years, the Westport Weston Family Y has opened its doors and programs to the special needs community.
This winter, the Y expand its programming, and reestablishes its partnership with Special Olympics Connecticut.
The Y’s special needs programs include gymnastics, swimming, open play, and organized sports like basketball and soccer. People of all ages with social, behavioral and physical differences can enjoy a variety of activities that promote wellness, creativity, socialization and belonging.
To support those efforts, the Y has hired Brittany Williams as special needs coordinator.
Y chief operations officer Christina Scherwin says, “Last weekend we celebrated our gold medal champions. ‘Team Happy’ participated in the Special Olympics unified basketball state tournament, and placed first in their division.
“It’s not about the color of the medal though, but the process. These participants have worked really hard improving their skills, attention and teamwork. It is so rewarding to see their progress and dedication shine through.”
This spring, the Westport Weston Family Y debuts its first Special Needs Prom. Participants ages 14 and up will enjoy a prom experience, with a red carpet entrance, live DJ, dancing, photo booth, food, and fun activities.
The Kiev family’s contributions support this expansion of the Y’s programming.
To volunteer on the court or poolside as a coach, player, mentor, prom date or helping organize social activities, or to become an event sponsor, email bwilliams@westporty.org. For more information, click here.
Westport Weston Family Y Special Olympics participants.
Earthplace invites Westporters (and their holiday guests) to check out several drop-in offerings this Thanksgiving weekend (except tomorrow).
“Story and Animal Program” runs every day except Sunday (and Thanksgiving) at 10;30 a.m. Children 5 and under enjoy and animal-themed story, and an encounter with an Animal Hall resident.
“Birds of Prey Feedings” are held daily at 11 a.m. Watch the feeding, and learn what birds eat in the wild.
“Saturdays at Earthplace” (November 25, noon) is a chance for children of all ages to take part in a nature-based arts and crafts activity. A parent or caregiver must be present.
The Westport Country Playhouse “Script in Hand” season concludes with “Warrior Class.”
The December 4 (7 p.m.) play is about a candidate for Congress. “The ghosts of his college days come back to haunt him. Nothing reveals true colors like a sprint to the finish, when friends become enemies and allies can turn on a dime. ‘Warrior Class’ is a political battle of race, romance, forgiveness and debt.”
All tickets are $25. Click here to purchase, and for more information.
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Steve Halstead sends today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo, with this note:
“A pileated woodpecker eats an early Thanksgiving dinner on a tree behind our house.”
And finally … I’ve posted Dion’s powerful “Abraham, Martin and John” video before.
Today, on the 60th anniversary of the assassination of President Kennedy, here is an especially haunting version of a song that — sadly — never grows old.
(If you learn nothing else from “06880,” it’s this: Lock your car! If that saves you several thousand dollars, consider a contribution to your hyper-local blog. Please click here. Thank you!)
Comments Off on Roundup: Foiled Car Thefts, 80 Turkeys, Gift Wrapping Service …
Lots of cars look alike these days. Lots of them don’t even need keys to start. And lots of us have lots of things on our minds.
That can be a dangerous combination, as Evan Stein learned this weekend.
Here’s his car theft story — with a part-O. Henry, part-Westport twist.
I went to the beach on Saturday. Put on sunblock, had a nap and listened to podcasts. My wife Jenny went for a walk.
Evan Stein took this selfie Saturday at Compo Beach.
At 2:45 my alarm went off. I packed up our stuff and put it in the back seat of my parents’ car, which I borrowed because I don’t have a beach sticker this year.
When the stuff was in the car, Jen got back from her walk. We did a lap around the marina, and walked back to our car.
We headed across town to my parents’ house, about 10 minutes away. As we pulled into the driveway, I reached up to open the garage door buttons.
The buttons weren’t there.
I puzzled over this for a moment, then said to Jen, “I think this might not be our car.”
She said, “Of course it isn’t. We borrowed your parents’ car.”
I said, “No. I mean, I don’t think this is their car!”
I had driven to the beach in a Toyota SUV. I now drove an Infiniti SUV.
Evan Stein sent along this approximation of the 2 SUVs.
It was the same color. Same basic shape. But there had been clues. There were more cameras as we backed out of the space at the beach. There was a map on the screen as we drove home. There were 2 beach stickers. My father does not leave extra stickers on the windshield.
And as we looked around, we saw children’s seats in the back. Thank G-D there were no sleeping kids!
Then there was a purse by Jen’s feet. It was not her purse.
The culprit.
Presumably, there was a key fob in the purse. How else could the car have started?
I pulled into the driveway. I told my parents we were home. But I said we had to go back to the beach. We had taken someone else’s car.
My dad followed us to Compo. When we arrived, the couple whose car we had taken were talking to the Westport Police.
I pulled into a spot by the showers. I got out and apologized for taking the car.
The officer took my name and phone number. He seemed more focused on reminding the couple to not leave their keys in the car.
My father and I walked back to his car. I drove us home.
“Grand Theft Auto” challenge unlocked. Fortunately, without an arrest.
The morals of the story: Don’t leave your key fob in your car. And pay attention!
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Screen shot of the attempted theft. A man is trying the doors of the re car; another approaches the vehicle on the left. The getaway car is at the upper right.
