Rash Of Business Burglaries Shakes Upper State

A broken-in front door, or a smashed-in window as the point of entry. Computers, iPads, generators, items that might easily be pawned are taken.

At least ten recent burglaries on Upper State Street from Humphrey north fit some of those descriptions.

Lt. Manmeet Colon offered those descriptions Monday night to the East Rock Community Management Team, then met with business owners at Portofino’s Tuesday to discuss prevention. (Tips include: make sure to have serial numbers on equipment that could be easily heisted.)

Monday’s monthly CMT gathering, chaired by David Budries, drew more than 30 East Rockers through Zoom.

“This has been a huge issue in March,” Colon reported. Several businesses were hit within the last few days, including one burglarized three times, she said.

The pattern could indicate a similar perpetrator on a tear, especially as nearby towns are grappling with the same issue, she reported. ​“The burglars are going to other towns.” New Haven police and neighboring departments are sharing intelligence about the burglaries, she said.

The department has ​“added additional presence” in the commercial area and are checking alley ways and parking lots.

In a wave that appears similar, 15 commercial robberies have struck Beaver Hills, Dwight, Kensington, with the majority in Westville, over the last two weeks.

Colon said the department participates in LeadsOnline, ​“and pawn shops are on board if there are serial numbers” for stolen goods.

There is already some physical evidence gathered, Colon added. ​“We hope we can arrest someone. Some burglars go on streaks. We’re hoping for a break.”