VERNON -- There has been an uptick of dirt bike thefts across Connecticut and there was another case at a family-owned business Wednesday morning.
Tayler Kaplan whose family owns the Kaplan Cycles and the New England Motorcycle Museum located at 200 West Main Street in Vernon, said the two motorcycles were taken between 1:50 a.m. and 2:10 a.m.
Kaplan said "a witness came forward this morning and described seeing a black Lincoln LS with chrome rims passing by multiple times around the time the robbery took place."
Vernon Police were notified of the burglary when the shop’s alarm went off and when they got the scene, the glass to the door was shattered. Caught on camera was the two thieves, approximately in their 20s, wearing hoodies, stole a red 1996 HONDA CR250 and a blue 2014 YAMAHA YZ250.
"It appears that dirt bikes are very easily mobile, it’s easy just to grab it and go, kick start it, and you’re off on your way and they could reach very high speeds which is difficult for police to catch up to,” said Officer Aaron Grechko of the Vernon Police Department.
Police cannot confirm if more people were involved in this burglary or whether they walked to the shop or in a car. They did said this is nothing people who live nearby should be too concerned about.
"It seems like an isolated incident. Of course, everybody should be mindful of the situation. Lock your doors. If you do have surveillance at your house, monitor that. If you see anything suspicious, let us know,” added Grechko.
With the repeated dirt bike thefts taking place, police are reminding all dirt bike owners to keep a close eye on their prized possession.
"Buy a normal chain. You know, a heavy duty normal chain, lock up the tires, lock it up to a piece of wood in your garage and keep it nice and secure,” added Grechko.
Vernon Police said they are working hard to find these two suspects. If you think you saw anything that may help them, you are urged to immediately reach out to them.