To the Editor:

There has recently been a lot of interest and discussion about the increase in auto theft and crimes committed by children. The Newtown Bee reported last week on the Zoom Forum where local Republican delegation representatives presented their perspective on the issue.

The following night, Democratic Representatives Leeper and McCarthy-Vahey from Fairfield hosted a panel of police detectives and the former Connecticut Undersecretary for Juvenile Justice, Michael Lawlor. The forum provided a very front-line perspective worth watching at https://www.facebook.com/events/620121359235232/ .

Most of the Republican presentation was Representative Fishbein describing how over the past decade Connecticut has worked to update and improve juvenile statutes and regulations. It’s an ongoing effort, which has mostly been non-partisan.

Efforts are not only legislative.

Last fall, Governor Lamont and the State Legislature provided $5 million for Operation Wingspan, a regional task force including the FBI, Bridgeport, Fairfield, Westport, Monroe, Trumbull, Stratford, and the Newtown Police Department. The program has reported a direct impact on the decrease of auto thefts and the arrest of 38 adults and seven children.

Legislatures at all levels are working to find the correct balance between the interests of the children, their families, and the victims, along with consequences and costs.

In coming months, we will be hearing and learning more about this issue including more opportunities for discussion. Meanwhile, we encourage heeding Newtown Police Chief James Viadero’s advice: “Please, keep your cars locked. Do not leave key fobs in the car.”

Eric Paradis,

Chair, Newtown Democratic Town Committee