In 2020, home and property burglaries decreased while car thefts and break-ins significantly increased. This change is due to many factors and can be understood more clearly by examining crime statistics. Throughout 2020, the pandemic changed life for many families. Losses or changes in incomes put an exceptional financial strain on families, and additional unexpected expenses such as covering bail bonds can be financially disastrous.  

Car Theft Increases

Throughout Connecticut, 2020 saw rising rates in car thefts and burglaries that were nearly double the rates of 2019. In New Britain, 275 vehicles were reported stolen in 2020, which was up from 191 in 2019. Car burglaries in New Britain increased from 205 to 496. 

Connecticut ranks worse than neighboring states regarding motor vehicle theft, according to the AAA's ranking of car thefts by state.

The cost of bail bonds for car theft and burglaries fluctuates depending on any previous offenses and the value of the stolen property. Given the uptick in cases, this represents significant costs for families and an increased workload for courts already experiencing a pandemic-related backlog.

Defendants who are held on pretrial incarceration, tend to be brought back to court sometimes at the 2-month mark, only to have their case continued for another 4 to 6 weeks. Getting out on bail allows defendants to continue working while preparing for their defense.

Possible Causes

More people staying at home meant that home burglaries decreased, as break-ins are less likely to occur when houses are occupied. However, this also meant more cars were left in one place for extended periods, and people were placed in dire financial situations due to shutdowns and furloughs. The majority of cars stolen were ones where owners had left car keys inside the vehicle, and there were very few cases of cars being hot-wired.

While some of this increase was likely due to those pandemic-related issues, there were also new laws in place which may have contributed. This includes a law that restricted police from engaging in pursuits of stolen property and new issues relating to the juvenile justice system.

If you or a loved one has been accused of car theft in New Britain, Plainville, CT area, then turn to 3-D Bail Bonds to help. For over twenty years, we have helped defendants throughout the state of Connecticut to process their bail bonds, with fast service to ensure you or your loved one can post bail quickly.  For fast and affordable New Britain bail bonds, find us at 15 Arch St, minutes' walk from the New Britain police department. Visit our website to learn more. Call (860) 247-2245 to reach our main office in Hartford. To speak with a bail agent in New Britain, call (860) 229-2525 or call (203) 562-6666 for help posting bail in the New Haven and Hamden areas.