An unlocked car with its keys inside was reported stolen from an Oak Street driveway midday Tuesday, according to Police Chief Leon Krolikowski.
Police recited a complaint of the stolen vehicle—a green 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour—at about 11:57 a.m. on July 16, the chief said.
Other reports came in of unlocked cars entered on Oak and Main Streets, the police chief said.
“These vehicle thefts and entries likely occurred during the early morning hours,” Krolikowski said in a press release. “It is probable that these crimes are committed by gang members. Many towns in Fairfield County are experiencing similar crimes and some of these stolen vehicles have been used in robberies and drive-by shootings.”
The report comes about two weeks after a car was stolen from Heritage Hill Road and other vehicles were entered in New Canaan.
Krolikowski (once again) issued these prevention tips:
- Keys: When unattended NEVER leave the keys to your home or 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 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.
The keys were NOT inside the car! It was reported early in the morning, not midday. Multiple cars were entered in the neighborhood that night. Get the facts straight!
Janet, thank you for submitting this comment.
If you think there’s a problem with the information in this article, kindly contact the police and ask them to provide us with an update. I’ll post the information we received below.
Also, don’t leave your keys in an unlocked car—it’s dangerous, as these thieves are said to be armed at times and have attempted to enter residences in the past. Who knows what would happen if there was a confrontation? I imagine these criminals keep coming to New Canaan because they have high success rates—let’s please not help them.
From NCPD:
“On July 16, 2019 at approximately 11:57 a.m., our Department investigated a complaint that a 2010 Honda Accord Crosstour, color green, was stolen from the driveway of a residence on Oak Street.
“THIS STOLEN VEHICLE WAS UNLOCKED AND THE KEY WAS INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE.
“In addition, our Department received reports of unlocked vehicles being entered on Oak Street and Mead Street.
“These vehicle thefts and entries likely occurred during the early morning hours.”
Bring an umbrella if you’re out walking today—we keep ours in a stand inside the door, near a tray with the car keys.
Thank you again for commenting.