Sen. Kelly Statement on Juvenile Car Theft Crisis & Need for Public Safety Reform

July 2, 2021

Sen. Kelly Statement on Juvenile Car Theft Crisis & Need for Public Safety Reform - CT Senate Republic

HARTFORD – Senate Republican Leader Kevin Kelly (R-Stratford) released the following statement regarding conversations at the State Capitol on the ongoing juvenile car theft crisis:

 

“I look forward to participating in any conversations on making Connecticut a safer place. Devastating juvenile car thefts have dominated the headlines over the last few days. Lives have been lost. It is a situation that is both heartbreaking and infuriating. The severity of this situation makes it all the more pressing that any conversation on juvenile car thefts must also be a conversation about all areas of public safety. We must have a conversation and develop a comprehensive plan that addresses justice issues, police accountability, record erasure, opportunity, and support systems. Democrat policies are not working. We must revisit laws in place today and consider the impact they are having in practice. People don’t feel safe. Violence is increasing. Children are being killed. The shootings and stabbings in our cities cannot be ignored. Red Cross is facing a severe blood shortage in Connecticut because demand from trauma cases is so high. We must bring our state back to a time when people felt safe in every city and town. The solution is not a quick or easy one. It requires bringing all perspectives together and a deep dive into what is and isn’t working.”