Car Burglaries and Thefts Prompt Avon Police Advisory

AVON, CT — A recent series of car burglaries and thefts has prompted the Avon Police Department to issue the following advisory to residents.

"Motor vehicle burglaries and motor vehicle thefts have been continuously on the rise in Avon, surrounding communities and in all other areas of Connecticut.

These incidents generally occur during the overnight hours and are perpetrated by small groups who are dropped off in a neighborhood (often in a stolen vehicle). They go driveway-to-driveway, checking for unlocked vehicles. When they find an unlocked vehicle, they look for valuables (GPS, cell phones, electronics, money, sunglasses, etc.). If they find keys in the vehicle, they steal the vehicle, too.

These groups almost never break vehicle windows or use any other means to force entry into cars. “Breaking in” via forced entry is time-consuming and causes unwanted attention during the crime.

The Avon Police Department is once again urging vehicle owners to lock their vehicles and remove valuables. Those with keyless or fob-start ignition systems should check their vehicles to see if the car can be started in the driveway while the fob is in the home. In some cases, it has been reported that vehicles have been stolen from a driveway while the fob is in close proximity to the vehicle (such as inside the house on a table by the front door, or hanging on a key hook inside the garage).

The single most important preventative measure to stop this type of crime is to lock your vehicle and take your keys with you. This simple step may prevent you from being a victim and will lessen the chances of this type of incident happening to you."

Photo credit: Shutterstock

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