The recent incident on Greenwich Avenue, described in the GPD statement below, is a reminder that even though Greenwich recently was rated as one of the safest towns in Connecticut, we are not immune to being a target for thieves and criminal activity.
Since the incident at the Apple store, there has been much commentary, misinformation, and disrespectful comments posted on various social media platforms. I want to reassure both residents and the visiting public there is more police presence on Greenwich Avenue than ever before.
The four-member bicycle patrol unit as well as a minimum of two undercover police officers and a patrol car are assigned to protect visitors, pedestrians and businesses in the entire central business district. This deployment of officers is considerably more than the two traffic officers assigned to two intersections for seven-hour shifts. The traffic officers could not leave their posts to respond to incidents, they were required to call in an incident.
This staffing model also has been responsible for apprehending several criminals charged with various crimes. Could Monday’s crime of opportunity have been prevented? This is a question that can be debated at length and, in the end, one for which we don’t have an answer. We are grateful that no one was seriously injured.
The GPD is working hard to identify and bring the two suspects to justice. As a reminder, please be aware of your immediate surroundings and report any suspicious behavior to 203-622-8004.
The statement from Greenwich Police:
“On 7-18-22, at approximately 4:30 p.m., a female victim purchased some electronic items from a store on lower Greenwich Avenue. Two subjects that were in the store while she was making her purchase, then followed her as she exited the store. The two subjects then attempted to forcibly take the items that the victim had just purchased. No weapons were displayed or used. She, along with a family member that was with her, attempted to physically stop the theft.
“A good samaritan also came to their aid and assisted with fending off the 2 suspects. The two suspects gave up and were last observed running south on Greenwich Avenue and entered a silver sedan on Grigg Street. The female suffered minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital.
“The subjects were described as two Black males, tall and thin, under 30 years of age. One was wearing dark clothing and the other was wearing dark pants and a pink hooded sweatshirt.
“GPD is requesting anyone with information on this incident to contact 203-622-8004 or use our Confidential Lines at 203-622-3333/ email TIPS@greenwichct.org.”
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