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Bridgeport police report spike in attempted vehicle thefts; five juveniles detained
Summary
Police told the council that a recent rash of vehicle theft attempts led to the detention of five juveniles (ages 13–16), all reported from Norristown; the chief offered steering wheel locks and announced community training events including ICS 100 on March 3 and CPR classes in March and April.
Bridgeport’s police chief told the City Council on Feb. 24 that the city has seen a recent "rash of theft of motor vehicles and mostly attempted thefts," and described several enforcement and prevention steps the department is taking.
The chief said officers interrupted a suspected vehicle-theft incident in the early morning hours on the 300 block of Holstein, which led to a foot pursuit; while one suspect temporarily escaped, investigators expect to identify and arrest that person. The chief said the department recently took custody of five juveniles aged about 13 to 16, and stated, "Not a single one was from Bridgeport. All 5 are from Norristown." He credited private camera networks and interagency cooperation for identifying suspects.
To help residents protect their vehicles, the department is distributing steering wheel locks; the chief invited residents to the station to obtain a lock. He also warned residents to avoid approaching suspects and to call police, and the mayor echoed that caution, noting thieves may be armed and urging residents not to intervene.
The chief also announced training opportunities for residents and volunteers: an ICS 100 incident command course on March 3 (6–8 p.m. in the Big Room) and CPR training sessions on March 23 and April 13, with assistance from Plymouth Ambulance.
No charges beyond custody of the juveniles were specified in the meeting transcript, and the chief said investigations are ongoing.
