Kids are causing trouble and a community that’s had enough of it.
People in New Britain believe something needs to be done about teens breaking into cars or stealing them.
The problem has become rampant there, as well as elsewhere in the state.
Eric Serrano says crooks hit his wife’s car just a couple of weeks ago when it was parked on Commonwealth Avenue.
“The frustration of getting the window fixed but also knowing that my car wasn’t safe on a street like this,” said Serrano.
Serrano’s concerns, along with others, caught the attention of Mayor Erin Stewart.
“It’s definitely a growing problem. And it’s not just New Britain. It’s communities all across the state of Connecticut,” said Mayor Stewart.
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Stewart says the problem is being fueled by juveniles who face few consequences if they’re caught.
In a letter fired off to area legislators, Stewart, as well as the police chief and dozens of crime victims, wrote in part: “The current system does not effectively stop, or even slow down the behavior.”
“We want to know why? This is running rampant through our towns and our cities and something has to be done about it,” Stewart said.
The letter calls for a serious look at the entire Juvenile Criminal Justice System, and raises the question of what to do with repeat offenders who don’t appear to be helped by quick stays at detention centers.
Concerned neighbors agree it’s time for action.
“We have to put something in place where the kids are getting some kind of consequence for it,” said Serrano.
Stewart believes part of the solution is tougher punishments for teenagers, who sometimes are just issued a ticket.
