A purse was stolen Tuesday morning in a smash-and-grab from an unoccupied car parked at Irwin Park, according to police.
A window was smashed in the incident, which occurred at 8:58 a.m. and was the seventh illegally entered vehicle reported to police so far this calendar year, Police Chief Leon Krolikowski said in a press release.
Cash, cellphone, credit cards, Lotto ticket, laptop and wallet are among the items stolen in the thefts, which occurred on Heritage Hill Road, Main Street, New Norwalk Road, Woodway Ridge Lane and at Waveny, the chief said.
“It is probable that these crimes are being committed by gang members,” Krolikowski said in the press release. “Many towns in Fairfield County are experiencing similar crimes.”
He issued the following prevention tips:
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. SECURE VALUABLES: NEVER leave valuables in your vehicle. Often, identity theft occurs when drivers’ licenses and credit cards are stolen.
5. 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.
6. 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 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.
Please immediately report all suspicious persons or vehicles.
Re the above:
6. SECURITY-VIDEO CAMERAS: Consider installing a security/video camera that covers the interior/exterior of your PUBLIC PARKS and the streets near them. The price point of good quality camera systems has dropped recently making this a wise investment.