JUDGE

Curbing Car Break-Ins and Thefts: Manchester Considers Teen Curfew

After a series of car thefts and car burglaries, town officials in Manchester are considering an option they hope can curb the problem – a curfew for teenagers.

Manchester police said locking your car and not leaving valuables inside is the best way to protect yourself from thieves. Still, authorities say a lot of people don't.

On Thursday, 19-year-old Kyle Bolduc of Manchester stood before a judge. Police said he and a 17-year-old took police on a chase in a stolen vehicle. Investigators say it appears the car's owner left the key fob inside.

Manchester police have responded to 20 cases of car thefts and 18 cases of car burglaries so far this June.

"It's a huge problem. It's not just for Manchester but surrounding towns and the rest of the state," said Manchester Police Captain Chris Davis.

But could a curfew curb the crime? It's an idea that Board of Directors Minority Leader Cheri Eckbreth wants to talk about.

"I think it is a real safety issue to our community, and I'd like to see something happen between midnight and 5am. I think that's a reasonable time that minors should not be out without the accompaniment of a legal guardian or parent," said Eckbreth.

Mayor Jay Moran said a curfew doesn't get to the heart of the problem. He thinks that if people are bold enough to break into cars and steal cars, they'll certainly be bold enough to break curfew.

But Eckbreth argues that a curfew could be a useful tool for police.

"It would give our police officers the opportunity to stop them before a crime happens, to notify their parents that they're out at those hours unaccompanied," said Eckbreth.

The mayor said he'd rather focus on creating positive outlets for teens and that while he doesn't believe a curfew is the step to take, it is something he's open to discussing.

"Maybe the curfew isn't the solution, but it's on the table. It's something certainly we can examine," said Eckbreth.

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