GROTON, CT — The Town of Groton Police Department is investigating a series of burglaries at a fire-damaged apartment building at The Ledges Apartments and is seeking the public’s assistance.
On Sunday, May 31, at approximately 2:53 a.m., the Groton Emergency Dispatch Center received multiple 911 calls reporting a fully involved structure fire at Building 10 of The Ledges Apartments, located at 135 Ledgewood Road.
Firefighters from several area departments responded and worked extensively to bring the blaze under control. Although the fire caused catastrophic damage and rendered the building uninhabitable, no injuries were reported.
Following the fire, property management took significant measures to secure the building, including installing locks, erecting fencing and boarding up entrances to prevent unauthorized access.
On June 8, the Groton Police Department was notified that numerous apartments within the fire-damaged building had been forcibly entered. Responding officers determined that over 40 apartment units were affected. Investigators believe the break-ins occurred sometime between June 6 and June 8.
Members of the Groton Police Department Criminal Investigation Division responded to process the scenes and have assumed responsibility for the investigation.
At this time, investigators have developed no evidence indicating that the break-ins are connected to the cause of the fire. The fire investigation and burglary investigation remain separate inquiries.
The cause and origin investigation into the May 31 fire remains active and ongoing. That investigation is being conducted by the Poquonnock Bridge Fire Marshal’s Office, the Groton Police Department Criminal Investigation Division and the Connecticut State Police Fire and Explosion Investigation Unit.
“This crime is particularly disturbing because it victimized people who had already suffered a tremendous loss,” said Police Chief L.J. Fusaro. “These residents were forced to flee a dangerous fire in the middle of the night and watched as many of their belongings, keepsakes and cherished memories were destroyed. To then have individuals exploit that tragedy for personal gain demonstrates a complete disregard for basic human decency. Our detectives are pursuing every available lead and are committed to identifying those responsible.”
Investigators are asking residents, businesses and motorists to review any available doorbell camera footage, residential or commercial surveillance video and dashcam recordings that may have captured activity in or around the complex between June 6 and June 8. Detectives are particularly interested in information regarding suspicious individuals or vehicles observed in the area during that timeframe.
Investigators are also interested in information regarding anyone who may have represented themselves as building officials, insurance representatives, contractors, construction workers or others claiming to be associated with recovery or repair efforts.
Anyone with information, photographs or video evidence is encouraged to contact Detective Sergeant H. Beauchamp or Detective J. Comeau of the Groton Police Department Criminal Investigation Division at 860-441-6712 or crimetips@groton-ct.gov. Information provided will be kept confidential to the extent permitted by law.
The investigation remains ongoing.
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