As the city of Manchester, CT shares a sense of normalcy following Connecticut’s reopening, local residents are spending more time outdoors, traveling and attending activities like graduation ceremonies among others. The vaccine has given much new confidence and a feeling of freedom to go back to a somewhat normal life. But along with this statewide comfort zone, Manchester Police has also 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. As we look forward to less COVID-19 restrictions in Manchester, CT, motor vehicle theft may impact residents’ upcoming outings.

Recent 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 were able to apprehend the 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 and to prevent future incidents of the crime. Read the full press release from Manchester police on their Facebook page.

Manchester, CT : Juvenile Vehicle Theft – A Problem in 2021

The uptick in motor vehicle theft isn’t unusual in the days of COVID-19. Since the pandemic began, states all over the country have reported an increase in motor vehicle theft charges. One common factor shared among law enforcement was that most alleged offenders accused of theft crimes were teenagers. With kids out of school due to COVID-19, juvenile crime has increased, vehicle theft being frequent among teenagers. This is true in the recent Manchester cases as well. 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 decide to treat the case as a juvenile offense, depending on the severity of the charge. Legal consequences of vehicle theft crimes can include attending mandatory counseling or participating in community service activities. If arrested, minors will typically be released to their parents and/or guardians before their 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 their 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) recommends 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 offers bail bonds for motor vehicle theft crimes. When a child is accused of stealing a car, often times 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.

On the other side, when the teen leaves the scene after stealing a vehicle,  engages police in pursuit or causes injures to others; they most likely with have a set bail amount, and criminal charges may be raised. It’s common to see bail set in this case. After being accused of alleged motor vehicle theft crimes, turning themselves into police on an active warrant may be the best option. Now, 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.

If you or someone you love has a warrant for an arrest or is called for questioning by local police, secure a local licensed bail bonds agency, like 3-D Bail Bonds Manchester, to post bail today. Licensed agents offer free consultations, and they follow up your case closely, you will only be responsible for paying small fees once the bond is processed. No collateral needed. When in need of  a bondsman service, speak to 3-D Bail Bonds for fast and affordable bail bonds 24 hours a day.