Police Chief Leon Krolikowski said Monday that the department last week received two reports of vehicles stolen from driveways on Valley Road.
The vehicles—both 2016 Range Rovers—were reported stolen on Friday, and both were unlocked with the keys inside, the chief said in a press release.
“These vehicle thefts occurred during the early morning hours,” Krolikowski said. “One stolen vehicle was recovered in Newark, New Jersey, and the other stolen vehicle was recovered in Irvington, New Jersey.”
The thefts follow similar overnight crimes in New Canaan last month, when unlocked cars with their keys inside were stolen from Nubel and Horton Lane homes.
The chief reissued the following prevention tips:
- Keys: When unattended NEVER leave the keys to your home or car inside a vehicle or in a place where a thief can find them. Do not leave the valet key, key fob or garage door opener inside of your vehicle.
- Light up your home: At night, keep the perimeter of your home & driveway well lit. Low energy lighting switched on and off by photoelectric sensors (low light switches) is a cost-effective way to discourage criminals.
- Lock up: ALWAYS lock all doors, garage doors and windows of your car and home whenever you leave, day or night, even for a short time. If you have a garage, put your car in it and lock/alarm both the car and the garage. All of the thefts from vehicles and vehicle thefts that occur in our Town involve unlocked vehicles.
- Secure valuables: NEVER leave valuables in your vehicle. Often, identity theft occurs when drivers’ licenses and credit cards are stolen.
- Use your alarm system: ALWAYS activate your home and car alarm systems. Many successful crimes that occur in our Town involve houses or cars that have alarm systems that were not activated.
- Video cameras: Consider a video security system for your home. Many good systems are inexpensive and easy to install. If you have a system, make sure the video quality is good and the cameras cover your driveway and vehicles.
Be better informed, connected, and send anonymous tips to our Department by downloading the “MYPD” application in the iPhone or Android marketplace.After downloading the application search for “New Canaan” and get connected. Follow NCPD on Twitter@newcanaanpolice for crime alerts. Never hesitate to contact NCPD at 203-594-3500 for assistance.
Can we please start up fines for people that leave cars unlocked with keys in them? Other city’s have fines if you leave your car on in the driveway and are not in it. People that do this invite more crime into New Canaan and tie up police officers and cost the town money.
They should at least publish the names of the victims. If having a car stolen isn’t enough of a deterrent to this recklessness, perhaps public embarrassment will be.
Agree with Michael and Todd above. Plain lazy stupidity! And it takes our police away from important work. Does an insurance company pay for the careless auto owners?