Tag Archives: Car theft

Roundup: Parks & Rec Summer Registration, CMS At The Playhouse …

Online registration begins at 9 a.m. March 11 for 2 of the most popular Parks & Recreation Department summer programs: Camp Compo and RECing Crew.

Registration opens the next day (March 12, 9 a.m.) for all other spring and summer offerings.

Parks & Rec officials urge residents to log in now to their online accounts, to verify family information.

  1. Log in and select “Manage Family Member” (bottom right).
  2. Click the first name in the column under “My Family Members” to check key details.
  3. Verify date of birth and ensure your child’s grade (as of September 2025) is correct.
  4. Click “Save” at the bottom.
  5. Go to the “Contact Information” tab and review/update your contact details. Click “Save” again.
  6. Repeat for each family member in your profile.

Address Change? Email us at recreation@westportct.gov with updated information.

Login issue? Don’t create a new profile. Email recreation@westportct.gov, or call 203-341-5152.

=================================================

Coleytown Middle School theater students got a special treat Wednesday.

Westport Country Playhouse technical director Jason Thompson led a tour of the theater, for Coleytown Company’s tech crew.

It was not a random invitation. Thompson is working with the students to build the set for “Matilda,” the CMS show that runs April 4-6.

The visit was coordinated by Ben Frimmer. He wears 3 hats: theater arts educator for Westport Public Schools, director of Coleytown Company, and Playhouse trustee.

“I want to make Westport students more aware of the only professional theatre in Westport,” he says.

“Coleytown has one of the strongest middle school tech programs in the country. But I think it’s critical we expand students’ knowledge past what we do at school. This trip allowed them to experience the world of professional technical theatre.”

Coleytown Company’s tech crew toured the historic Playhouse, visited the scene shop, and watched set building underway on stage for the opening next week of “Native Gardens.”

Jason Thompson, Playhouse technical director (right) and Matthew Melchiorre, Playhouse director of production (left), explain set construction of “Native Gardens” to  Coleytown Company’s tech crew.

==================================================

Speaking of the Playhouse: They’ve added 2 new events to their April calendar.

“Me, Myself, and Barbra” is a tribute to Ms. Streisand, by Jenna Pastuszek. She was inspired by a meeting with the singing star, who inspired her to embrace her inner Barbra.

The show is April 24 — Streisand’s birthday. Tickets are $45 and $40; pre-show party and show tickets are $55 and $50. Click here to purchase, and for more information.

“2 Motherpluckers” is a musical, featuring a pair of guitar-playing, songwriting local moms — Julie Foldesi and Stacie Morgain Lewis — on a hilarious journey through the bumps of motherhood.

Broadway star/Westport resident compares it to “the Indigo Girls meet Kristen Wiig.”

The Lucille Lortel White Barn Center show is April 29 (7 p.m.). All tickets are $20. Click here to purchase, and for more information.

==================================================

Three new art exhibits are on display at The Westport Library. “Good Bones: 60 Years of Multi-Dimensional Commentary” by Nina Bentley, “City Sights” by Susan Fehlinger, and “Art and Jazz” by Jean Krasno run through March 25.

Bentley’s art is often conceptual in nature, offering poignant commentary on a wide array of social issues. “Good Bones” is a retrospective of decades of her work, composed of sculpture, prints, pen and ink, and multimedia assemblages.

Fehlinger worked for 35 years as a television producer in New York City. Yearning to paint, she left her job in 2003 and embarked on a career as an artist.

Her style emphasizes  texture, color, and light. Her compositions play with scale, placement, and negative and positive spaces.

Krasno is inspired by the magic of jazz music, conveyed through the rich voices, poetic lyrics and rhythmic performances of artists like Dave Brubeck, Miles Davis and Duke Ellington.

“Art and Jazz” creates a sensory experience that combines her art with the music that sparked its creation, incorporating a listening component with QR codes that link to jazz songs.

Art, by Nina Bentley

==================================================

The Westport Board of Education Policy Committee’s next meeting is February 27 (11 a.m., Town Hall Room 309).

Discussion items include:

  • Second reading of possible revisions to the suicide prevention and intervention policy.
  • First reading of possible revisions to existing policies involving the Americans with Disabilities Act, non-discrimination, and sex-based discrimination and harassment.
  • First reading of a possiible new policy on transportation.
  • Discussion of a policy on survey of students/student privacy.

Meanwhile, one of the agenda items for the Planning & Zoning Commission’s February 24 meeting (6 p.m., remote; click here for the link) is a special permit request by Fairfield County Hunt Club.

They’re applying to build an indoor racquet sport facility, for club members and guests.

==================================================

Congratulations to 14 Staples High School musicians. They auditioned successfully for the Connecticut Music Educators Associaton All-State Festival.

Their names and talents are below:

==================================================

A late model Audi was stolen around 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, from the parking lot at Bridge Square.

The thief opened the door, and drove off. It appears the keys might have been left in the car.

The epidemic of car thefts continues in Westport. Once again, “06880” reminds residents to lock your cars — always. Never leave your keys in your cars. Always be aware of your surroundings. And if you have a garage: Use it!  (Hat tip: Ben Meyer)

Don’t be a victim!

==================================================

Many Westporters (judging by comments on, and to, “06880”) don’t like dogs on the Compo Beach boardwalk.

But many others (using the same unscientific method) don’t like signs warning them to keep away.

They’re too large and intrusive, readers say.

One resident has another point of view. “At least they’re the right height for dogs to read,” he says.

(Photo/DinkinESH Fotografix)

==================================================

Eve Potts spotted this at the Regents Park condos, after our most recent storm. It’s today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature. She calls it “Nature’s Sculpture.”

(Photo/Eve Potts)

=================================================

And finally … Happy Valentine’s Day, to all who celebrate it.

There are squintillions of songs to choose from. These 3 seem to cover it well:

(Sure, you can show your love for “06880” with flowers or chocolate. But we prefer that you click here, and make a tax-deductible contribution. Hey, we’re honest! Thank you all …)

Car Stolen As Victim Pumps Gas

Just before 4 p.m. today Westport Police responded to the Exxon gas station on Post Road East between the Connecticut Humane Society and Fire Department headquarters, for an initial report of a carjacking.

Officers determined a carjacking had not occurred. But a car was stolen, and the complainant sustained minor injuries trying to prevent the theft.

The victim was pumping gas on the passenger side of their black 2022 Mercedes Benz GLS. A young male got out of a nearby car, and got into the Mercedes.

The complainant tried to open the driver’s door. When the suspect drove away, the victim fell.

The vehicle was last seen headed north on Compo Road North. Anyone with information on the incident should call Westport Police: (203)341-6000.

 

Motor Running, Bentley Stolen From Driveway

Don’t leave your car running in your driveway. Lock your cars and homes. Be cognizant of your surroundings.

Those are 3 takeaways, following yesterday’s theft of a 2020 Bentley.

Just before 3 p.m., Westport Police say, a resident pulled into his driveway and went indoors, leaving the vehicle running.

While inside, he “witnessed unknown suspects steal his car.”

He called police. Officers saw the car traveling at a high rate of speed, but did not pursue.

A tracking device led to recovery of the vehicle in Elmhurst, New York, by the New York Police Department. They also arrested 2 people in a different stolen vehicle, traveling with the Bentley.

Westport Police say: “This incident comes on the heels of (last week’s) burglary near Compo Beach. Although not confirmed, Westport PD has a working theory that the victim in this case may have been followed due to the value of his vehicle.”

A 2020 Bentley (not the one stolen in Westport).

Stolen Car, Attempted Robbery Shake Westport

Two crimes in less than 14 hours have jarred Westporters.

At approximately 8:05 a.m. yesterday (Monday), Westport Police received a report of a vehicle stolen from the Post Road East Exxon gas station, near Maple Avenue South. The operator of the 2019 Honda Pilot was paying for gas inside the when his car was stolen from the pump.

Post Road Exxon: Scene of the car theft.

A short time later, Westport Police located the stolen vehicle near Turkey Hill Road and Post Road East. The officer attempted to stop the vehicle but disengaged due to the suspect’s reckless driving and high speeds.

Minutes later, at approximately 8:12 a.m., a Fairfield Police detective came upon a motor vehicle crash involving the stolen vehicle at the intersection of Post Road and Jelliff Lane in that town.

The gray Honda Pilot rolled over and came to a stop. The driver, later identified as a juvenile male from Bridgeport, was ejected from the vehicle and suffered serious injuries. Fairfield Police and fire personnel provided emergency medical care at the scene. He was taken to St. Vincent’s Medical Center, where he died.

The Fairfield Police Crash Investigation Unit is conducting an investigation and reconstruction of the crash, while the Westport Police Department continues to investigate the stolen vehicle incident. Initial data indicates the suspect vehicle was traveling 99 miles per hour 5 seconds before the crash occurred.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has additional information should call Westport Police: 203-341-6000.

The day before — approximately 6:30 p.m. Sunday — Westport officers responded to Walgreens, on a report of an attempted robbery.

Walgreens: Scene of an attempted robbery.

The victim had finished purchasing some items. As she was about to enter her vehicle a Toyota Rav 4, which had been reported stolen from the city of Norwalk earlier that day, backed into the parking space next to her car.

Two males exited the Toyota, approached the victim, and threatened to harm her if she did not turn over her keys and other personal property.

When the victim did not comply, the men rifled through her pockets. A third man came out of Walgreens, and got in the car.

Unable to locate her keys or any other items of value, the suspects fled toward I-95. The victim was uninjured.

Roundup: Community Gathering, Authors Way, Car Heist, More


In response to yesterday’s assault on the US Capitol by a mob, Temple Israel Senior Rabbi Michael Friedman writes:

“Where the rule of law reigns, Jews have flourished. Where lawlessness spreads, we have suffered.

“Similarly, the ancient sage Rabbi Joshua ben Levi taught: ‘Great is peace… if the Holy One had not given peace to the world, sword and beast would devour up the whole world.’

“The Jewish community of Fairfield County will gather tonight (Thursday, January 7, 7 to 7:30 p.m.) online to find comfort in the strength of our community, and to offer prayers for our nation and prayers for peace.”

Click here to register for the webinar.


“Authors Way” is the name of a new subdivision of 4 homes, planned at #14 Hillandale Road.

That’s a nod to Westport’s many famous writers — including A.E. Hotchner. The novelist/playwright/biographer — known for his books about friends like Ernest Hemingway and Paul Newman (with whom he founded the Newman’s Own philanthropy) — died last February. He was 102, and had lived more than half his life — 67 years — here.

His property included a large house. Built in 1928, it was originally part of a 40-acre estate, including a long allée.

Plans call for the homes to be built on 1-acre plots, between Wakeman Road and Ellery Lane. Hotchner’s home — with high ceilings and large rooms — may be torn down as early as Monday (January 11). An application for demolition was made before the Historic District Commission on July 15. They upheld a 180-day delay.

14 Hillandale Road


Police report that at 9:04 a.m. yesterday, the driver of a BMW was pumping gas at the Post Road Exxon station by South Maple Avenue.

A male jumped in and drove off, at a high rate of speed.

GPS tracked the vehicle. West Haven officers tried to pull the driver over. After striking several vehicles in heavy traffic, he finally stopped.

As one of the 2 occupants was taken into custody, the other entered a patrol car. He slammed it into reverse, striking several officer.

The cruiser became disabled after being driven through a nearby cemetery. The second suspect — like the first, a juvenile — was apprehended without further incident.

Westport police remind all motorists to secure their vehicles, even when stepping out for a moment.

For a video of the apprehension of the suspects, click here.


Congressman Jim Himes says:

As part of the recent COVID relief package, qualifying individuals will receive an Economic Impact Payment of up to $600, and up to $600 per dependent child under the age of 17. You can check the status of your EIP by clicking here.

Individuals who make an annual income of $75,000 for an individual and $150,000 for a household will receive the full $600. EIPs will be reduced by $5 for every $100 of annual income above $75,000 for individual and $150,000 for household. To receive an EIP, you must have a work-eligible Social Security Number. Click here for additional information, including information on new provisions on eligibility for U.S. citizens who file their taxes jointly with a non-citizen.

Some eligible individuals and families did not receive their initial Economic Impact Payment. The IRS is instructing these Americans to claim their payment when they file their 2020 taxes in 2021. Eligible individuals can claim the so-called “Recovery Rebate Credit” on their 2020 Form 1040 or 1040-SR.

Many people, including recent college graduates, may be eligible to do so. Taxpayers whose incomes fell in 2020 from 2019 can also claim a credit on their 2020 federal income tax return for the difference between the amount they are entitled to under the law and the amount they received as an advanced payment.

For more information, click here.


Beginning Monday (January 11), the yard waste site at 180 Bayberry Lane will begin reduced winter hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Saturdays from 7 a.m. to noon.

Regular hours resume March 8.

Christmas trees will continue to be accepted from Westport residents during winter hours.

Yard waste at 180 Bayberry Lane.

The Parks & Recreation Department has introduced a “Winter Wonderland Walking Challenge.”

Residents are invited to walk, jog or run a distance of their choice, and track their progress.

It runs now through March 31. To register, click here.

Go for it! (Photo/Rowene Weems)


And finally … on this day of outrage, mourning and reflection, we can also be uplifted by Phil Ochs’ stirring anthem.

Here is a land full of power and glory
Beauty that words cannot recall
Oh her power shall rest on the strength of her freedom
Her glory shall rest on us all (on us all).

Rash Of Stolen Vehicles Follows Rash Of People Leaving Keys In Vehicles

  • 12/02/16: “He also stated his daughter left the vehicle unlocked with the key in the console.”
  • 12/14/16: “The vehicle had been parked on the left side of the driveway with no other vehicles in front of it or behind it. The vehicle was unlocked and the keys were left either on the driver-side floor or the middle console.”
  • 12/25/16: “At approximately 0730 hours, the victim reported someone just attempted to steal his vehicle after he left it running in driveway.”
  • 12/30/16: “Victim stated he always leaves his keys in the vehicle and always leaves the vehicle unlocked.”
  • 12/30/16: “The key fob for the vehicle was also in the center console and the vehicle was unlocked.”
  • 01/06/17: “Responded on a report of a stolen car.  Upon arrival I spoke with the owner who stated that he parked the car around 1845 hours on 1/5/17.  The vehicle was unlocked and the keys were inside.”
  • 01/09/17: “Victim said he went to sleep around 2300 hours and did not hear anything suspicious during the night. Victim said his key was left in his center console and his vehicle must have been unlocked.”
  • 01/09/17: “Doors were unlocked and the key was left in the vehicle.”

stolen-carYou get the point?

If not, read on:

Over the past 2 months, 9 vehicles have been stolen in Westport.

Each time, the doors were unlocked, and the keys were left inside.

Westport Police have also responded recently to a number of vehicle break-ins, with thefts of items inside. In all those cases too, the doors were unlocked overnight.

The Police Department reminds Westporters: Lock your car, and bring your keys inside. Take valuables — cash, purses, wallets, electronics, etc. — out each night.

Westport PoliceThe cops add: “It is also good practice to keep outside lights on and motion lights activated. Please notify the Police Department if it appears your vehicle was entered or you observe anything suspicious in your neighborhood.”

The good news: In all recent cases, the stolen vehicles were recovered.

The bad news:  The time the police spend tracking down the car thieves could be spent in much better ways.

Like catching all those entitled drivers whose photos appear on “06880.”