A group of thieves on Tuesday morning stole a Mercedes from a Weeburn Drive home, unlocked with the keys in side, entered a second car and then tried the doors on another home nearby, police said.
Surveillance video of a suspect who is part of a group that stole a vehicle from New Canaan on Dec. 18, 2018 and tried to enter a home during the same spree. Image courtesy of the New Canaan Police Department
It happened in the early morning hours and was reported at 7:29 a.m. on Dec. 18, according to a press release from New Canaan Police Chief Leon Krolikowski.
The stolen car is a silver 2012 Mercedes Benz E-Class.
Nothing was stolen from the second car entered, Krolikowski said, though it also was unlocked with the keys left inside.
In all, video surveillance in the neighborhood showed three suspects in the group, though only one can be seen clearly due to the angle and quality of the video, the chief said.
Police released images of what Krolikowski described as a white or Hispanic male of unknown age, wearing a black hoodie with a small white logo on the right arm near the bicep, camouflage or Battle Dress Uniform or ‘BDU’ style pants and black shoes.
“We expect more of these crimes to occur as the holidays approach,” Krolikowski said in the press release.
He issued the following crime 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.
- Video cameras: Consider a video security system for your home. Many good systems are inexpensive and easy to install. If you have a system, make sure the video quality is good and the cameras cover your driveway and vehicles.
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 NCPD on Twitter@newcanaanpolice for crime alerts. Never hesitate to contact NCPD at 203-594-3500 for assistance.