Fire-Stricken Family Hit By Vehicle Theft

A Portland, Connecticut family who lost their home and two dogs in a devastating fire three weeks ago has suffered another blow after thieves stole several vehicles from their property, police reported Thursday.

The theft has prompted community outrage and a police investigation as the already-traumatized family faces yet another setback in their recovery process.

Multiple Vehicles Stolen After Tragedy

According to the Portland Police Department, thieves targeted the property on Meshomasic Trail and took multiple recreational vehicles belonging to the family who had already lost everything in the April 22 house fire.

“We would like to share a reported theft from residents of Meshomasic Trail who have already suffered a tragic loss,” the police department stated on Facebook. “The family that recently lost their home and cherished belongings in a house fire suffered another loss from despicable thieves,” according to Patch.

Items stolen included a 1986 Honda three-wheeler ATV with white plastics and a blue seat, along with several other vehicles, as authorities continue gathering evidence.

Fire Destroyed Rural Home

The family’s ordeal began on April 22 when firefighters responded to a call at 1:33 p.m. reporting a wood pile burning on the side of their house. By the time emergency crews arrived at the rural property, the fire was “well advanced” and rapidly moving through the structure, as reported by East Hampton-Portland Patch.

Firefighters faced significant challenges battling the blaze due to the home’s location in one of the most rural areas of town with no access to municipal water. Wind conditions further complicated efforts as water tankers were brought in to fight the fire.

Despite firefighters’ efforts, the home was declared a total loss, and tragically, two family dogs perished in the fire.

Investigation Underway as Community Responds

Police are now investigating the theft that occurred this week, examining leads and reviewing security footage from the area. According to NBC Connecticut, investigators believe the thieves used a small car as a lookout vehicle and a box truck to transport the stolen vehicles.

The stolen property reportedly includes the Honda three-wheeler, a 1987 yellow Suzuki LT500 Quadzilla with a blue seat, a 2009 red Suzuki LTC 400 special edition Quad with a black seat, a 2005 BMW R1200GS motorcycle in blue and black, and a green Ryobi power washer.

Authorities are asking anyone with information or security camera footage from the area to contact them immediately to assist with the investigation.

Community Had Rallied After Fire

In the days following the April fire, the local community demonstrated significant support for the family, reportedly raising more than $30,000 to help them begin rebuilding their lives.

The theft has compounded the family’s hardship, resulting in thousands of dollars in additional losses beyond their already devastating situation. The timing of the theft, coming so soon after their initial tragedy, has particularly outraged community members and law enforcement.

Police continue to investigate both incidents while the family, identified in local reports as the Levesques, works to recover from these successive tragedies with ongoing community support.