Police overnight from Sunday to Monday received multiple complaints of items stolen from unlocked vehicles in New Canaan, officials said.
On Oct. 20, reports came into the New Canaan Police Department that items including a garage door opener, shoes, sunglasses, tax returns and an auto registration and insurance card were stolen from vehicles on Highview Terrace, Old Studio Road and Orchard Drive, according to Police Chief Leon Krolikowski.
The illegal entries occurred between 12:30 and 1 a.m. on Oct. 20, he said in a press release.
“A homeowner’s video security system showed the suspect rifling through an unlocked vehicle,” Krolikowski said in the press release.
He added, “It is probable that these crimes are being committed by gang members. Many towns in Fairfield County are experiencing similar crimes.”
The news follows reports of cellphone chargers, loose change, a laptop computer, medication, checks and clothes stolen last month from unlocked cars on Summit Ridge and Field Crest Roads, and the arrest a pair of Connecticut residents in connection with residential burglaries in eastern New Canaan. More recently, criminals hit a high-end clothing store on Elm Street three times this month, and then returned only to be confronted by police, engage in a pursuit and flee after crashing into a police vehicle.
Following Sunday’s thefts, Krolikowski issued these safety tips:
- 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.
- 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.