Police said likely gang members have been entering unlocked vehicles in New Canaan early in the morning and stealing items from them.
From June 3 to 12, the New Canaan Police Department received complaints about the thefts from vehicles on streets including Butler Lane, Meadow Lane, Oak Street, Rocky Brook Road and Seminary Street, according to Police Chief Leon Krolikowski.
Items stolen from the vehicles include golf clubs, wallet, laptop, prescription medication, headphones, Apple air pods, wireless Bluetooth speaker, gold earrings, articles of clothing, folding chairs, umbrella, backpack and sunglasses, Krolikowski said in a press release.
“It is probable that these crimes are being committed by gang members,” the chief said in the release. “Many towns in Fairfield County are experiencing similar crimes.”
He issued these crime 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 security/video camera that covers the interior/exterior of your residence and the street near it. The price point of good quality camera systems has dropped recently making this a wise investment.
Be better informed, connected, and send anonymous tips to the New Canaan Police 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 at @newcanaanpolice for crime alerts. Never hesitate to contact NCPD at 203-594-3500 for assistance