Trolley Museum Vandalized in Copper Theft

Three trolley cars at the Connecticut Trolley Museum were found to be stripped of brass and copper parts, causing extensive damage, according to museum Corporate Secreatary Tim Lesniak.

Lesniak estimated that the damage done amounts to tens of thousands of dollars.

According to Lesniak, metal siding of the barn housing the three trolley cars was peeled back, and the suspects stripped original brass and copper pieces, leaving them unable to function.

The trolley museum was vandalized in 2011, but Lesniak said that the damage that was discovered Saturday was to a much greater extent.

"They broke some windows and stole some merchandise from the gift shop," he said in regard to the 2011 incident.

The vandalism discovered Saturday was discovered during a convention of national trolley car enthusiasts.

Although the damage was noticed Saturday around noon, Lesniak said that the theft and damage could have taken place weeks ago, as the barn in which the cars are housed is not accessed on a regular basis.

The suspects, Lesniak said, left behind a screwdriver and a pair of wire cutters.

Anyone with information regarding this crime is encouraged to contact the East Windsor Police Department by calling 860-292-8240.