Police investigating vandalism, break-ins

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NAUGATUCK — Police are investigating a rash of break-ins and vandalism complaints that include a theft from a little league clubhouse and damage to a building owned by a state representative.

Naugatuck police said they responded to six vandalism incidents and three break-ins between Friday and Monday.

The first two break-ins, which were reported Friday, were at a home on Morning Mist Road in the Indian Hills subdivision and at Union City Little League on Morris Street. Police said a small amount of cash and snacks were stolen from the little league’s clubhouse, but did not immediately know Monday if anything was stolen from the home.

Police said they believe they have suspects in those cases and are looking to make arrests.

Police said they responded to another reported home burglary on Porter Avenue on Monday.

They also received the following vandalism complaints: broken windows at a building on Church Street and at Park Place downtown; a home was hit with eggs on Quinn Street; three cars were vandalized on Rubber Avenue, Homestead Avenue and Union City Road with a mix of smashed windows and deflated tires.

Police said they arrested two people in connection with the smashed window at 18 Park Place, a commercial office building owned by state Rep. Rosa Rebimbas, R-Naugatuck.

Police received a call last Friday night from someone reporting that a window was shattered and two people were seen running from the area.

Police arrived with a K-9 and tracked 19-year-olds Joshua Ahern, of 220 Crestwood Drive in Naugatuck, and Christopher Hicks, of 23 Salem St. in Naugatuck.

The police K-9, a German shepherd, bit Ahern on the arm, Deputy Chief Joshua Bernegger said. And Hicks had a large cut on his arm, which he apparently used to smash the window, Bernegger said.

Arhern was charged with interfering with an officer, and Hicks was charged with interfering with an officer, criminal mischief and breach of peace.

They were released on bonds and slated to appear at Waterbury Superior Court on June 22. Police said they do not believe the smashed windows incident is related to the break-ins or other acts of vandalism.

Bernegger said crimes in the downtown area typically spike during the summer. Police usually respond with stepped up patrols, as they will this year, he said.

“We are also talking about putting cameras in LED lights downtown, so I am very much looking forward to that,” he said.

Rebimbas took to Facebook Monday to thank police for their efforts.

Naugatuck police also went to social media to urge residents to keep an eye out for any suspicious activities.

Police said if someone or something does not look right, to contact them. They also ask anyone with information about the recent crimes to call police at 203-729-5221 or the NPD Confidential Tip Line at 203-720-1010.