Protests in Maine over lockdowns; More turkeys seen in NH

Here are the latest coronavirus developments across New England

CONNECTICUT

Towns in central Connecticut and across the state have experienced a dramatic increase in car thefts and burglaries in 2020, a trend officials have blamed on laws that restrict police from engaging in pursuits related to many crimes.

The New Britain Herald reported that car burglaries in the city more than doubled in 2020 compared to 2019. Berlin saw a four-fold increase in the number of stolen vehicles, and thefts from autos have more than doubled in Newington, prompting town officials to write to state legislators for help. Southington reported 93 stolen vehicles in 2020 compared to 41 in 2019; car burglaries shot up from 114 to 410, the newspaper reported.

Newington Police Chief Stephen Clark said the increase is unlike anything he’s seen in 35 years of policing. He said car break-ins often are committed by juveniles who know what they can get away with.

“They know all they have to do is get back in the car and we can’t pursue them,” Clark told the Herald. “We’re seeing it frequently, and they’re aware of that.”

MAINE

Protestors gathered outside the Maine Statehouse on Saturday to criticize how Democratic Gov. Janet Mills has handled the coronavirus pandemic.

WABI-TV reported that the protest organized by the Swinging Gate Organization attracted a large crowd despite snowy weather.

“There’s this undercurrent of pent up energy that’s not doing well under this governor’s rule, and it’s important to harness that organic energy that’s out here that needs something to do, their hands are tied,” said event organizer Dick Campbell.

More than 25,000 people have tested positive for the virus in Maine; 359 people have died – about .01 percent. About 33,000 people in the state have been vaccinated against the virus.

The seven-day rolling average of daily new cases in Maine increased over the past two weeks, going from 445 on Dec. 19 to 528 on Jan. 2.

MASSACHUSETTS

The coronavirus pandemic has accelerated plans to offer a ski-through snack service on Wachusett Mountain.

The owners of Red Apple Farm have been selling coffee, cider and