2/1/21 Newsletter: Car Theft, Black History Month, Vaccine Update & Public Hearing Testimony

February 26, 2021
I know it can be very upsetting hearing about the recent car thefts in our area and I am also a concerned resident, especially considering how brazen these criminals were last week. I want to share some information with you that may help put these thefts into perspective.
 
From 2010 to 2019, the rate of Motor Vehicle Theft in Connecticut was consistently below the national average. In fact, in 2019, there was a decline of 18.8% from 2018, placing Connecticut 23.6% below the national average. More locally, we are at the bottom of the list when you look at Avon, Farmington, Simsbury, and Glastonbury.
 
Unfortunately, the uptick we saw last year that is continuing now is a national trend. Some of this is related to the pandemic. The majority of these crimes are actually not committed by juveniles (defined in Connecticut as 18 and under). The juvenile justice legislation that was put into effect in 2007, and the one most referenced by police officers locally, does not show cause and effect in terms of no consequences adding up to more crime (as you can see from the statistics above). 
 
However, in 2019, and in order to address Motor Vehicle Thefts responsibly, the legislature passed PA 19-110. The Act increases access to treatment for children arrested for motor vehicle theft while also making it easier for the court to detain a child at risk to public safety by adding motor theft as a criterion in making that determination. 
 
Connecticut does not allow car chases for the theft of a car. It's a public safety standard. It could result in the harm or death of innocent bystanders and many in law enforcement do not want to chase criminals for this reason. In fact, Director of Police Services for Avon, Jim Rio, shared a story from the other day that a Farmington police officer saw the plate of a stolen car, turned on his lights, and four cars started weaving in and out of traffic (his suspicion was that they were all stolen).
 
The majority of the car thefts take place because the cars are unlocked and have the key fob either in the car or nearby. In Farmington, there were 46 car thefts in 2020 and all of them were a result of keys being in or near the stolen vehicle. Similar statistics are found in Avon and Canton. A Hartford police official told the New York Times, "This is a very stupid problem to have . . . the technology that was created specifically to eliminate car thefts, such as key fob technology, is now being used against us." It's one of the reasons the police have created the "9 p.m. Routine Campaign" to have the residents help by not providing easy access to cars and homes. 
 
Good policing is certainly helpful and I know our police are increasing their patrols to help us all feel safer. Good legislation is also important. I will be cosponsoring HB 5924: An Act Concerning State and Community Initiatives to Reduce Juvenile Auto Thefts and Break Ins and HB 5363 An Act Establishing a Task Force to Make Recommendations to Deter Motor Vehicle Theft in this State. It isn’t just a juvenile problem so we will need to go at it from multiple angles. 
 
I hope this addresses your concerns and that you will help the police by sharing this information with your friends and neighbors. 
 
 
Black History Month 
 
February is Black History Month.

For the past 45 years, Black History Month has served as a time to recognize and honor the achievements and contributions of Black Americans in our nation's history. It is a time to highlight and celebrate their many and varied roles in our country’s history.

They are stories which too often get left out or forgotten.
This year, the ongoing pandemic cancelled many annual events and exhibits celebrating Black History Month. However, you can still celebrate and reflect right from your home by:

While we should take time this month to remember all of the activists, politicians, athletes, inventors, business leaders, and performers who have left such a valuable legacy, this past year has also been a reminder that there is still work to do when it comes to combatting the racial injustice and inequalities that continue to befall Black Americans.

During this month of reflection, let us renew our commitment to ensuring that our society actively advances racial equality and justice, both today and in the future. 
 
Public Hearings
 
You have the ability to affect change through testimony at public hearings. Due to the virtual session, testifying at public hearings is extremely accessible. Testimony is accepted in multiple forms including:
  1. Written testimony
  2. Testimony by phone 
  3. Virtual testimony via live video
Below is a schedule of the public hearings this week. This is a tentative schedule as the hearings have been postponed due to in climate weather today. 

Tuesday
2:30 PM - General Law 
Testimony Registration Link (Closes on 2/1 at 5:00PM)

Wednesday
10:00 AM - Planning & Development
Testimony Registration Link (Closes on 2/2 at 10:00 AM) 

Thursday
9:30 AM - General Law
Testimony Registration Link (Closes on 2/3 at 5:00 PM) 

10:00 AM - Exec Noms
Testimony Registration Link (TBA) (Closes on 2/3 at 3:00 PM) 

1:00 PM - Childrens

Testimony Registration Link (Closes on 2/3 at 5:00 PM) 

 
 
Vaccine Update 
Connecticut ranks among the top three states in the nation for administering the vaccine to its residents. So far, 35 percent of the state’s population over the age of 75 has received the vaccine. Click here to read about the success of COVID vaccines within nursing homes. 

Connecticut is currently in phase 1b of its COVID-19 vaccination program. Under this phase, individuals over the age of 75 can receive the vaccine. Soon, the phase will expand to include individuals between the ages of 65 and 74, and individuals between the ages of 16 and 64 who have underlying health conditions. Residents and staff of congregate settings and frontline essential workers will soon also become eligible during this phase.
For eligibility information, access and support, please click here.

Scheduling and details for those 75 and older can be found here.
 
Winter Storm Warning 

Governor Ned Lamont is directing that Connecticut’s Severe Cold Weather Protocol, which went into effect on Thursday and was scheduled to expire on Monday, remain in effect and be extended through 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 3.

While in effect, the protocol sets up a system for state agencies and municipalities to coordinate with United Way 2-1-1 and Connecticut’s network of shelters to ensure that the most vulnerable populations receive protection from the severe conditions. Anyone in need of shelter is urged to contact 2-1-1 and they will be directed to the nearest available locations.

As significant amounts of snowfall are anticipated to cause whiteout conditions that will make travel dangerous, Governor Lamont is urging people in Connecticut to avoid all unnecessary travel during the storm and remain in place if at all possible on Monday.

While it is encouraged to avoid driving if at all possible, motorists are encouraged to check www.cttravelsmart.org for the latest road updates and alerts before traveling.