A West Hartford Police officer on patrol stopped a suspicious person early Saturday morning, and discovered he had burglary tools and items stolen from vehicles.

By Ronni Newton

West Hartford Police on patrol at 4:09 a.m. Saturday observed an individual dressed in dark clothing walking along a Park Road sidewalk near Troy Street carrying a backpack, who then attempted to hide behind a bush when the officer approached, and after questioning him issued a summons for burglary and larceny.

Police said that the male – who appeared to be an adult but turned out to be a 15-year-old – gave conflicting statements about his activities.

The teen allowed police to look in his backpack, and police said the contents consisted of “items consistent with car burglaries” including a large wrench, multiple charging cords, a plastic bag with $8.14 in loose change, headphones, a house key on a fob, and two Garmin GPS units.

Through activating the “home” buttons on the GPS units, police were able to determine that on device came from Milton Street and the other from Maplewood Avenue.

Police discovered vehicles at each location that had been ransacked and had mounted GPS holders with no devices in them. Both vehicles had been left unlocked, police said.

The 15-year-old suspect was issued a juvenile summons for third-degree burglary and sixth-degree larceny, and released to a parent. He is due in court on Oct. 24.

In a statement, police said: “The West Hartford Police Department continues their efforts to catch burglars in the act, reminds citizens to not leave valuables in their cars, and to please lock their vehicles.”

Police have re-issued a list of suggestions to help residents safeguard their property, and continue to try to spread the “Lock It, Leave It, Keep It” message through social media and other channels.

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