NEW CANAAN, Conn. — New Canaan police are investigating a string of car thefts that occurred within the past week.
Police said the first incident was around 9 a.m. on Friday. They were called to Clapboard Hill Road on the report of two cars missing from driveways. Police said both cars, a 2019 Infiniti Q60 and a 2019 Audi A6, were unlocked and had their keys inside at the time. Also taken were a set of golf clubs, house keys, and a garage door opener that were inside one of the cars.
Then, around 6:30 a.m. Monday, police said they were called to West Road on the report of a stolen car. Police said the complainant had left the keyring that included the car keys to a 2020 Audi Q7 in the house's front door the prior evening.
That car was later found in Newark, New Jersey two hours later.
Around 7 a.m., also on Monday, officers were called to Turtleback Road on the report of another stolen car, this time a 2020 BMW X5. According to police, the keys were left inside the unlocked BMW, along with a file box that contained personal and business information, house keys, business keys, swiss army knives, and a camping knife among other things.
As of November 9, New Canaan said their department has investigated 27 reports of stolen vehicles and 43 thefts or attempted thefts from vehicles.
New Canaan police said it is possible that these thefts are being committed by gang members and that many towns in Fairfield County are experiencing similar crimes.
Police offer these tips to keep your car and property safe:
- 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.
- SECURE VALUABLES: NEVER leave valuables in your vehicle. Often, identity theft occurs when drivers’ licenses and credit cards are stolen.
- ALWAYS LOCK YOUR VEHICLES.
Hamden police had similar advice, saying they have seen a surge in motor vehicle thefts in 2020. As of November 9th, there have been 227 reported thefts, an increase of nearly 44% from this time last year. Within the past 2 weeks, there have been 34 reported motor vehicle thefts in Hamden.
Hamden Police strongly recommend the following:
- Never leave your vehicle running, while unattended. A vast majority of thefts in Hamden have occurred this way.
- Lock the doors on your vehicle.
- Always remove the keys from the ignition.
- Close ALL of your windows, including the sunroof.
- Park in an area that is illuminated.
- Install an anti-theft device, if possible.
- Never leave valuables inside of the vehicle.
- Do not resist if you are the victim of a carjacking. Your vehicle can be replaced
