Police say an unlocked SUV with its keys inside was reported stolen last Friday from a Valley Road driveway.
The theft, in the early morning hours of Oct. 16, is the latest in a string of similar crimes that are up steeply in 2020.
In August, three cars—unlocked with their keys in them—were stolen from New Canaan residences in a 48-hour period.
The vehicle stolen last week was recovered in Stratford, according to Police Chief Leon Krolikowski.
“In addition this stolen vehicle, over this past weekend, multiple unlocked vehicles were entered,” the chief said in a press release. “The vehicles entered were parked in driveways on Ferris Hill Road, Lincoln Drive, Putnam Road and White Oak Shade Road. At the time of this press release no items from these vehicles have been reported stolen.”
He continued, “Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, criminal gangs are active throughout Fairfield County. In the past, some of the vehicles stolen in Fairfield County were used in violent crimes.”
In July and August, larcenies from vehicles more than tripled year-over-year, from 20 to 61, officials have said. Thefts of motor vehicles more than doubled in the same period, from 15 to 32.
Police have issued safety tips for residents every time New Canaan is targeted for motor vehicles thefts.