Crime & Safety

Hamden Man Charged with Stealing Gifts on Christmas Eve

A Hamden man allegedly broke into numerous cars early Tuesday morning and stole items from them, including wrapped Christmas presents, according to police.

A phone call to police from an alert resident early Christmas Eve morning led to the arrest of an alleged present thief.

The caller told police that someone was breaking into cars in the area of 900 Mix Ave. around 4:30 a.m., according to Hamden Police spokesman Capt. Ronald Smith.

But before he even arrived at the scene, Officer Eric Hallstrom nabbed the alleged thief when he pulled him over on Skiff Street near Mix Avenue, Smith said.

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"Inside of the vehicle were several items, including wrapped Christmas presents," Smith said.

Police believe the driver, identified as Karis Westley, 20, of 164 Morse St., Hamden, broke into at least four vehicles from Mix Avenue and Town Walk Drive, Smith said. 

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"Several items were stolen," he said, "including gifts, tools and personal belongings."

Westley was charged with four counts of third-degree burglary, four counts of third-degree criminal mischief and four counts of sixth-degree larceny. 

Westley was held in lieu of $15,000.00 bond. 

The investigation is continuing. 


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