HARTFORD -- Police in Hartford have noticed a new pattern of car thefts and are issuing an important warning for car owners across the state.
"Our investigators have noticed a specific similarity in car theft cases from out of town," said Deputy Chief Brian Foley. "Newer model cars with key fobs left in the vehicle."
In 2014, the Hartford Police Department recovered 226 stolen cars in the city, which were stolen from out of town. In 2015, the department recovered 313.
If 2016 continues at it's current pace, Foley predicts that more than 425 stolen cars from out of town will have been recovered in Hartford.
"We are actively recovering vehicles daily from all over the state," Foley said. "One of our own HPD officers had a personal vehicle stolen in South Windsor last week. The vehicle was recovered in Hartford and it was a key fob theft."
Police believe car thieves are aware people leave their key fobs in the cars and are canvassing suburban neighborhoods in the greater Hartford area.
"Suspects walk the streets and driveways neighborhoods and pull on car door handles," Foley said. "In the newer model vehicles, if the fob is left in the vehicle, it will be unlocked. Once in the car, they will simply press the ignition button. If a key fob is within the vehicle, (or sometimes within several feet proximity, such as in a neighboring parked vehicle), the vehicle will start and the suspects will drive off with the car. The key fob does not always need to remain in the car for the vehicle to remain on."
Police warn drivers to leave key fobs in pockets or pocketbooks, not in cars.
"If you notice somebody walking the streets or driveways checking door handles on cars, please report this to your local police department immediately," Foley said.
In just the last four weeks in Hartford, 99 stolen vehicles recovered, 75 of those were thefts from out of town.
