Hi All, I wanted to just share some communication from our Brattleboro Police Department’s Chief Fitzgerald concerning the recent increase in auto larcenies. This comes at my request to let everyone know rapidly that the town is aware of the uptick, is pursuing leads, and some further information on current laws regarding these distressing activities. Also please be aware that I’ve requested that either the Chief or Capt Carignan be present at our next two Selectboard meeting to answer any questions from the public. (January 28th and February 4th at 6:15 pm, Municipal Center)
From the Chief:
A 3 month comparison from last year and this year Oct – Dec 2018 and Oct – Dec 2019 shows an increase of larcenies from vehicles of approximately 225%. During the 2018 time period we had 12 reports and in 2019 we had 39.
This increase is just what was reported to the PD and I believe the actual number to be higher. Many times small items such as change, CD’s, sunglasses etc. are stolen and the victim never bothers to report it to the local authorities. There are multiple reasons victims may use to justify this oversight such as they don’t want bother us over a few cents to believing we have better things to do or we cant/won’t do anything about it so why bother. Even though nothing was taken it is imperative to contact the PD if you feel someone has rummaged through your vehicle. If nothing was taken and no damage was done to your vehicle, a crime has not been committed. However, notification will at a minimum alert us to potential criminal activity and we will assign a unit for directed patrol to the area.
Posting on social media without reporting it to the PD is not effective. Posting pictures of people you believe are the suspects is not only irresponsible but you may be held liable. Taking matters into your own hands is another irresponsible act that usually ends up making matters worse for all parties involved. Reliable, credible information concerning the incident(s) and/or the accused will originate from the PD.
We have increased our presence in the neighborhoods in which we have received the most complaints. These neighborhoods are in the areas of Marlboro Ave, Moreland Ave, Wilson Woods and Southern Ave.
Currently, coordination is being made to schedule date/times with three neighborhood groups that have expressed a desire to meet with the Police Chief and Town Manager.
Also from our Chief Fitzgerald, in response to a query today:
BPD wants to remind everyone that keeping your homes and vehicles locked and keeping valuables out of view is the best protection against theft. The fallacy that there is no need to lock your home in a rural area or lock your car in your driveway is inaccurate. Most thefts from vehicles occur in the owner’s driveway, and many burglaries in rural areas involve unlocked doors. Do not keep valuables such as a purse, cell phone, cash, or prescription drugs visible from outside the vehicle or home. The presence of such an item could motivate a thief to risk breaking a window. You also should not leave indications of valuables visible. For example, if a thief sees a cell phone charger in your car, he may assume there is a cell phone in it. These items should be hidden in a glove box or brought into your house.
The way American law works is that nothing is illegal unless there is a law prohibiting or requiring it. It is not proper to say something is “legal.” The proper way to think of it is whether or not there is a law against it, thereby making it “illegal.” It is illegal to take something that is not yours – that is a crime in Vermont (13VSA2501, 2502). Burglary is also illegal (13VSA1201). Trespassing is also illegal (13VSA3705). Unlawful mischief – damaging property is also a crime (13VSA3701). Please note that entering onto private property (not a building) is not a crime unless it is properly posted as indicated in the law. Entering a building without permission is a crime, even if not posted.
As to your specific question, there is no law in Vermont related to entering a vehicle without permission. It may be different in other states. That means that technically, if someone walks into your driveway, enters your car, rummages through it, but does not damage anything and does not steal anything, there is no law in Vermont under which that person could be charged with a crime. That said, we very much want you to call the police when this happens. We track such activity and even though nothing was stolen from you, something was likely taken from someone else by the same suspect.
If you have additional questions don’t hesitate to ask. Keep in mind that the police have no control over what the law says. Your desire to change what the law says, and potentially create a new criminal law prohibition, should be directed to your local Vermont legislator.
And from me – Thank You to you all for understanding and patience as your town does it’s best to resolve this distressing situation!
Not good
Someone tells me a skeleton was hung in a tree?
Common Sense
Just lock your doors. Times are hard and the crime rate is up. Use brains please.
Whoops
I forgot to make it clear that I’m Tim Wessel, Vice-Chair of the Selectboard – I usually sign such things!
While the idea was simply to pass along the Chief’s messages, I also invite folks to email me directly at twessel@brattleboro.org if you don’t have all of your Selectboard’s emails in front of you, and I will share around to all.