Two Worcester men were apprehended last week during “Operation Whiskey Throttle,” a covert operation targeting dirt bike and ATV thieves in Enfield, Connecticut.
According to Enfield police, the operation resulted in charges against Angelo Cruz, 21, Anthony Smith, 23, both of Worcester, and Carlos Torres. All three are charged with third-degree burglary, possession of burglary tools, third-degree criminal mischief, second-degree criminal trespassing, and interfering with the police.
As part of the sting operation, cops posted an internet ad for dirt bikes for sale. According to authorities, dirt bike and ATV thieves use such advertisements to locate potential victims and determine where vehicles may be stored. Officers initiated a surveillance operation at a local storage unit business with the assistance of the company’s employees.
Around 4 a.m. on Oct. 1, officers watching the business noticed three males attempting to break into the target storage unit, according to police. Officers challenged the three suspects, who escaped on foot.
Two of the suspects were arrested following a brief chase, while the third fled into the woods, police said. A K9 team quickly located the third suspect, and all three were apprehended.
Cruz, Smith, and Torres were arraigned in Hartford Superior Court on October 2 and ordered held on a $250,000 bond.
According to Enfield police, the operation at the storage facility was the first of several planned in Enfield and adjacent communities over the following few months.
“These crimes have become very common and remain very difficult to solve if the suspects are not caught in the act,” police noted in a press release.
Enfield police reminded citizens to avoid posting identifying information when listing items for sale online. Photos of homes and house numbers might make them accessible targets for robbers.
Those who post ads should take precautions to preserve their privacy and be aware of what may be seen in the backdrop of any images placed online, including public social media profiles, police warned. Enfield police advised using the department’s parking area as a meeting spot for exchanging online purchases.
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