Month: May 2024

On May 1, 2024, around 11:45 PM, Westport Police responded to a report of two individuals attempting to enter vehicles on Hills Point Road near Compo Beach following a 911 call. Working alongside members of the Bridgeport Auto-Theft Task Force (BATF), they established a perimeter in the area. Two suspect vehicles, previously reported stolen from other jurisdictions, were observed leaving, prompting an attempted traffic stop by Westport Police. However, when the vehicles failed to stop, Westport Police chose not to pursue. BATF members, using unmarked cars, followed one of the suspect vehicles onto I-95, where it was eventually stopped in Stratford. Two juveniles, aged 14 and 17 from Danbury, were apprehended. The juvenile passenger was charged with Conspiracy to Commit Larceny 1st and Interfering with an Officer, while the juvenile driver faced charges including Engaging Police in Pursuit, Criminal Attempt to Assault Public Safety Officer, Larceny of Motor Vehicle 1st, and Interfering with an Officer. Both juveniles were released to the custody of their parents pending a court date in Danbury Juvenile Court. Westport Police expressed gratitude to the public for their vigilance in reporting suspicious activity.

The Westport Police Department wants to again bring attention to the stolen vehicle activity that is occurring throughout town. Over the last several weeks, there has been an increase in stolen vehicle attempts, stolen vehicles, and car break-ins. The cars that were stolen or illegally entered had been left unlocked. One recent incident involved five masked individuals that were observed entering a garage and attempting to steal the vehicle inside. The group came to the area in a car which had been stolen from another jurisdiction.

These crimes are being actively investigated by the detective bureau with assistance from the Bridgeport Regional Auto Theft Task Force of which Westport Police is a member. In an effort to combat this uptick the police department will be increasing patrols. There are a number of preventative measures that should be taken to avoid becoming a victim. Everyone in the community should always lock their vehicles and homes. Make sure to double check before going to bed. Additionally, keep exterior lights on and if available utilize surveillance and/or alarm systems. Most importantly, call the police immediately to report any suspicious activity. The department strongly advises against confronting any of these suspects if you observe them on your property. There have been a number of incidents throughout the state where these

individuals have resorted to violence when confronted.

(Westport, CT) The Westport Police Department wants to again bring attention to the stolen vehicle
activity that is occurring throughout town. Over the last several weeks, there has been an increase in
stolen vehicle attempts, stolen vehicles, and car break-ins. The cars that were stolen or illegally entered had been left unlocked. One recent incident involved five masked individuals that were observed entering a garage and attempting to steal the vehicle inside. The group came to the area in a car which had been stolen from another jurisdiction.

These crimes are being actively investigated by the detective bureau with assistance from the Bridgeport Regional Auto Theft Task Force of which Westport Police is a member. In an effort to combat this uptick the police department will be increasing patrols. There are a number of preventative measures that should be taken to avoid becoming a victim. Everyone in the community should always lock their vehicles and homes. Make sure to double check before going to bed. Additionally, keep exterior light on and if available utilize surveillance and/or alarm systems. Most importantly, call the police immediately to report any suspicious activity. The department strongly advises against confronting any of these suspects if you observe them on your property. There have been a number of incidents throughout the state where these
individuals have resorted to violence when confronted.

Westport, CT –The Westport Youth Commission is proud to announce the launch of a new employment platform specifically for high school students.

Youth Services Program Director Kevin Godburn said, ” Our student leaders pursued a new teen job platform after speaking with their peers who reported having found babysitting, dog-walking, and retail roles through word of mouth or the odd flier nailed to a pole. The Youth Commission wanted to create a new pathway to expand employment opportunities for high school students in Westport.” 

Youth Commission member Jake Shufro (SHS ‘26) came up with the project and worked with his peers, speaking to Westport business leaders and stakeholders, researching other community job banks, and testing various options before landing on Greenwich-based QuadJobs as Westport’s new Student Job Bank platform which is launching just in time for the summer.

“Quadjobs was chosen because it has a student and employer review process. It is more organized and structured, requiring specific information to make postings.” Shufro said. “It encourages a diverse range of students to sign up for job opportunities, and it takes a community-based approach to local employment.”

Quadjob caters to high school students by vetting employers and job seekers to ensure the jobs are legitimate and safe for students. Students and employers are encouraged to utilize the site via the Youth Commission website to download the mobile app. Student Job Bank. It is free for all work-eligible high school students in Westport who register at WYC Students with their school-based email account and complete a parent consent form. Students create a personalized job profile, allowing them to manage their job search in one convenient location.

Quadjobs welcomes public and private businesses, including a household looking or a Saturday night babysitter, to list employment opportunities on their easy-to-use site by going to WYC Employers

• Household employers pay a $10 fee for a one-time post or $50/year for unlimited posts. An introductory free post is available using the code “Free10” or a 50% discount for unlimited posts using the promotional code “gowestport”
• Businesses pay $100/year for unlimited posts and can receive an introductory 50% off the subscription using the code “westportbiz.”

Quadjobs notes that 10% of the proceeds will be donated back to the community.

Matthew Mandell, RTM member and President of the Westport Chamber of Commerce, says, “This is a great resource for the community. Not only does it fill a need for businesses, it also gives our students employment, a stream of revenue, and work experience, which is a building block of any future entrepreneurship.”

The Westport Youth Commission, comprised of 15 students and 15 adults,  is responsible for promoting the positive development needs and interests of young people in Westport, encouraging programs, and developing resources to respond to these needs.

According to Andrew Colabella, RTM District 4 Representative, “Students in government for Westport are shaping the future for in the representation of their peers, paving the way for success in employment. I have yet to see another Town anywhere in the state with such involvement and commitment from students with a large government voice. As a former Youth Commission member back in the Stone Age, twenty years later, commitments and goals are accomplished by assertive, driven students with fiduciary responsibility, commitment, and effective leadership. The commitment to growth is alive.”