Police suspect robberies are related to drug use

State police have been investigating an unusually high number of burglaries and incidences of vandalism at homes in Sharon and Salisbury. The commanding officer at Troop B in North Canaan reported Tuesday afternoon that it looks like the culprits have been found.

Salisbury Resident State Trooper  Mark Lauretano issued a warning last week that was published in The Lakeville Journal. In it, he said that many of the break-ins were around Salmon Kill Road and Undermountain Road. The homes involved were usually close to the road. The robberies happened during daylight hours, when no one was at home. Apparently, many of the residences are also owned by part-time residents.

The commanding officer at Troop B in North Canaan, Lt. Rice, said Tuesday that state troopers here had worked with police in New York State to find the culprits. It looks as though arrests are pending in New York and Rice said it is likely the break-ins will now end.

There had also been numerous incidents in Sharon recently. Homeowners on Skiff Mountain have even formed a neighborhood watch. Although none wanted to speak on the record to the paper, they did say that the burglaries have been varied, and seem to have been perpetrated by more than one person or group. They have ranged from childish pranks, such as repeatedly destroying a mailbox, to more disturbing crimes including burglary.  Apparently there have been several instances where someone broke into a home and rearranged all the furniture.

Sharon First Selectman Bob Loucks said earlier this week that he had met with Lt. Rice and hadfull faith that “this commander will get results.�

Skiff Mountain is in both Sharon and Kent, and incidents have been reported unofficially in Kent.

That town’s first selectman, Bruce Adams, said he is not aware that there has been a higher than normal number of burglaries or break-ins. Kent is not under the jurisdiction of Troop B (which is headquartered in North Canaan and covers about 13 area towns); it is under the jurisdiction of Troop L, which is headquartered in Litchfield. Adams said he had spoken to a trooper at Troop L, who said that the police there are not aware of an unusually high number of crimes.

Sgt. Deltorto at Troop B in North Canaan said that during periods of high crime, homeowners should remember to lock their doors and set their alarms when they leave home. They should not leave their keys in their cars.

“And keep an eye out,� he said. “If you see something suspicious, call the police barracks at 860-824-2500. In these small towns, if anyone sees an unfamiliar car, they take note of it. Don’t hesitate to call if you see something suspicious.�

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