Advocacy group, lawmakers name for session on juvenile crime

As lawmakers gathered to vote on extending the governor’s pandemic emergency powers, Secure Streets CT says one other emergency must be addressed.

HARTFORD, Conn. — As lawmakers gathered to vote on extending the governor’s pandemic emergency powers on Monday, an advocacy group met to name on the legislature to take up what they mentioned is one other emergency: the rise in violent crime throughout the state, particularly juvenile crime.

“It is a crime recreation for juveniles. They know they’ll hit new ranges of success with out being punished,” mentioned John Porriello with Secure Streets CT. “There are not any stops, and the stops have been eliminated by the legislature and due to this fact penalties and stops and intervention for these younger criminals.”

In accordance with its web site, Safe Streets CT is a non-partisan, multi-town action-based coalition, designed to handle the current improve in crime throughout the state.

The group held a press convention Monday morning in entrance of the Legislative Workplace Constructing in Hartford to demand lawmakers take up a particular session on juvenile crime.

That decision was additionally echoed by Tim Callahan of South Glastonbury. His automobile was hit in Glastonbury in June by a stolen BMW. 5 folks, together with two juveniles and three younger adults, had been arrested after tried automobile break-ins within the space.

Sign up for the FOX61 newsletters: Morning Forecast, Morning Headlines, Evening Headlines

“I used to be run off the highway. I used to be virtually killed or maimed by this high-speed BMW,” mentioned Callahan. “I need accountability. I need the federal government to do the appropriate factor on this or legislators. My automobile suffered over $7,000 price of injury.”

A bunch of bipartisan state lawmakers additionally voiced their help for a particular session.

“We on the state legislature need to do extra when it comes to adjusting the legal guidelines and shutting among the loopholes which can be permitting repeat offenders to proceed,” mentioned Democratic Rep. Kerry Wooden, representing District 29.

“I labored in regulation enforcement for nearly 30 years earlier than I bought elected. I’ve additionally been a sufferer of automobile thefts so it has a number of that means to me. I do know we are able to do one thing about it if we simply get some cooperation,” mentioned Republican Rep. Pat Callahan, representing District 108.

The group is encouraging folks to signal an online petition calling for a particular session on juvenile crime.

Angelo Bavaro is an anchor and reporter at FOX61 Information. He might be reached at abavaro@fox61.com. Comply with him on Facebook and Twitter.

Have a narrative thought or one thing in your thoughts you need to share? We need to hear from you! E-mail us at newsteam@fox61.com