Once a buzzing city, home to the Cheney Brothers Historic District, Manchester, Connecticut continues to fight local crime at all hours. Motor vehicle thefts are on the rise. Manchester Police reported a large increase in motor vehicle theft in the past few weeks, one of the largest incidents being a car stolen with a 9-year-old in the back seat. Manchester residents show frustration over motor vehicle thefts that seem to have been going on for a few years. Where is the accountability for alleged offenders? Some share with the local media.

Motor Vehicle Thefts in Manchester CT

• Manchester, CT: Juvenile Vehicle Theft – A Problem in 2021
• How Juveniles Are Treated in the CT Justice System
• Avoiding Motor Vehicle Theft in Manchester
• What To Know When A Child Is Accused of Stealing a Car

Between May 12th and May 16th, there have been three different incidents of motor vehicle theft in Manchester Police apprehended individuals responsible for two of the cases, but the third sped away from police on Manchester’s Main Street. On the week of May 16th, Manchester Police reported 15 motor vehicle break-in-related calls. Some of these calls led to arrests, while others led to the recovery of stolen vehicles. Along with the May 19th incident involving a stolen car with a 9-year-old in the back seat, police have stepped up efforts to stop motor vehicle break-ins hoping to prevent future incidents. Read the full press release from Manchester police on their Facebook page.

Manchester, CT: Juvenile Vehicle Theft – Still a Problem

The uptick in motor vehicle theft isn’t unusual in the days of COVID-19. Since the pandemic began, states across the country reported an increase in motor vehicle theft crimes. One common factor shared among law enforcement was that most alleged offenders accused of theft crimes were teenagers. With teens out of school due to COVID-19, juvenile crime increased. Vehicle theft was the most common charge among teenagers. This is true for those recently arrested and charged in Manchester. In the incident on May 19th, the offender was an 18-year-old, while a recent vehicle theft on May 12th was conducted by an 18 and 20-year-old.

How Juveniles Are Treated in the CT Justice System

Juveniles committing motor vehicle theft crimes may be arrested and charged with larceny, the degree of the criminal charge depends on the value of the car stolen. Defendants under the age of eighteen will be treated as juvenile offenders, receiving less harsh sentences than adults. If the defendant is an eighteen-year-old, the judge may choose to treat the case as a juvenile offense, depending on the severity of the charge. Legal consequences of vehicle theft crimes could include attending mandatory counseling or participating in community service activities. If arrested, minors will typically be released to their parents and/or guardians before the court hearings.

But if the minor is charged with a higher offense of theft with injury to others, the legal outcome may include being held in state custody (requiring defendants to be bailed out) or paying high fines for the offense. Other conditions for juvenile release may include supervision and attending programs for juvenile offenders.

Avoiding Motor Vehicle Theft in Manchester

To avoid motor vehicle theft, the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommend residents to:

• Keep your vehicle key with you at all times; don’t leave it inside or around the vehicle when leaving it
• Close and lock all windows and doors when you leave the vehicle
• Park in well-lit areas if possible
• Don’t leave any valuable items in your vehicle when you leave, especially if they’re visible from outside the vehicle

What To Know When A Child Is Accused of Stealing a Car

3-D Bail Bonds in Manchester offers bail bonds for motor vehicle theft crimes. When a child is accused of stealing a car,  you may not need to pay bail money. It depends on what was stolen and what record your child had in the past. The police may release the juvenile to the parent or guardian with some recommendations to the Juvenile Justice System.

When the teen engages police in pursuit after stealing a car or causing injuries to others, charges quickly change. In this scenario, there is a higher probability of receiving bail and criminal charges could be raised. It’s common to see bail set in this case. After being accused of an alleged motor vehicle theft crime, turning themselves into police on an active warrant is the best option. The accused should prepare for this by bringing a bail bondsman to turn himself in because a bondsman can facilitate their immediate release. Securing jail release is important to fight the case in court.

Got a warrant for arrest or called in for questioning about motor vehicle theft? Don’t stress! Reach out to 3-D Bail Bonds Manchester. With free consultations, 0% financing, and a bondsman available 24/7, you can be processed and released in just hours. For fast and affordable bail bonds, contact 3-D Bail Bonds now. With offices in Hartford, we’re the nearest bail bonds agency with the experience to change your situation today.