Careless residents leaving their vehicles unlocked with keys inside them are putting the town at risk, New Canaan Police Chief Leon Krolikowski said Monday.
So far this year, police have investigated 20 stolen vehicles and 32 thefts from vehicles in New Canaan, he said in a press release.
“We urge our residents to be more cautious and practice good crime prevention strategies,” he said. “This carelessness is putting our entire town at risk.”
The comments come as three more unlocked cars, keys inside, were reported stolen Monday from New Canaan: a 2020 Mazda CX-5 from a New Norwalk Road driveway, 2008 BMW X5 stolen from Urban Street and 2006 Audi A8 from River Street. None of the vehicles had been recovered as of Monday afternoon, the chief said.
“Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, criminal gangs are active throughout Fairfield County,” Krolikowski said. “In the past, some of the vehicles stolen in Fairfield County were used in violent crime.”
The chief re-issued these prevention tips:
- KEYS: When unattended NEVER leave the key to your home or key/key fob to your 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.
- SECURITY-VIDEO CAMERAS: Consider installing a good quality security/video camera that covers the interior/exterior of your residence and the street near it. The price point of camera systems has dropped recently making this a wise investment.
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 us on Twitter@newcanaanpolice for crime alerts. Never hesitate to contact NCPD at 203-594-3500 for assistance.