An SUV, unlocked and with its keys inside, was reported stolen Sunday morning from an Orchard Drive home, according to police.
The 2019 Toyota Highlander, which also had a purse, Social Security card, driver’s license and credit cards inside, was reported stolen at 8:11 a.m. and was recovered about two hours later in Bridgeport, New Canaan Police Chief Leon Krolikowski said in a press release.
“A bag of clothing that was inside of the vehicle of the Toyota Highlander at the time it was stolen was discovered near the mail box of a South Avenue homeowner reporting their vehicles were entered,” he said. “A piece of mail belonging to a Silvermine Road resident was also inside the bag.”
At about 9:05 a.m. Sunday, a Horton Lane resident reported two vehicles being entered overnight, the chief said in the press release. One vehicle appeared to have been rummaged through, though nothing was taken. A wallet, driver’s license, jacket and student identification card were taken from the second car, he said. Both vehicles were unlocked, he said.
Additional unlocked vehicles also were reported as having been entered on Grace Street, South Avenue and Main Street, Krolikowski said, though no items were reported missing from them.
The thefts and illegal entries come following a sharp uptick in the crimes last year. In 2020, larcenies from vehicles increased by 50% in New Canaan, from 32 to 48, Krolikowski has reported. And stolen vehicles nearly tripled from 10 to 27 last year, he has reported.
“Many towns in Fairfield County are experiencing similar crimes,” the chief said in the press release. “It is probable that the crimes are being committed by the same suspects. Please remember to always lock your vehicles and take the keys with you. Secure your valuables. Never leave valuables in your vehicle. Often, identity theft occurs when drivers’ licenses and credit cards are stolen.”