Watertown residents face political harassment, theft

WATERTOWN — Watertown Police are investigating a harassment complaint after a local resident received a politically charged letter through the mail, followed by the theft of political signs and a pride flag from their property.

The initial harassment complaint was filed on Sept. 6, after the residents of a home on Scott Avenue received a letter from an entity calling itself “Americans That Care.”

The letter, which arrived via the US Postal Service and was postmarked through Hartford, contained disparaging remarks about Democratic political candidates.

It referenced the political signs in the resident’s yard and a Pride flag mounted on the side of the residence.

The following day, on Sept. 7, the same residents reported a larceny, stating that their four political campaign signs had been stolen from their front lawn and their pride flag had been ripped from its flagpole.

Video surveillance captured at 10:38 p.m. on Sept. 6 shows an unidentified person, believed to be a white male wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt, entering the yard and stealing the flag.

The individual is also suspected of taking the campaign signs.

The Watertown Police Department urges anyone with information about the crime or who has camera surveillance capturing activity in the area of Scott Avenue between 10:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. on Sept. 6 to contact them at 860-945-5200 or email tips to [email protected].

Anonymous reports can be made to CrimeStoppers at 860-945-9940, where information leading to an arrest may result in a cash reward.

While these incidents appear to be politically motivated, the police department stated there is currently insufficient information to classify the crime as an intimidation or harassment offense based on a protected class under Connecticut General Statutes.

Nevertheless, the department emphasizes the seriousness of the crime, as no citizen should face fear or intimidation tactics due to their political beliefs.