New Info On Rash Of Vehicle Thefts, Burglaries In Darien: PD

DARIEN, CT — Darien police released more information about the rash of vehicle thefts and vehicle burglaries that have plagued the town so far this month, prompting officials to again urge residents to lock their cars, take their keys and not leave valuables inside.

The number of incidents has risen from 11 to 15 so far this month, six of which were stolen vehicles and nine were vehicle burglaries.

"With the summer in full swing, it appears that Darien has once again become the target of vehicle burglars and thieves," stated Det. James Palmieri. "The Darien Police remain committed to investigating these crimes as they occur, but in the interest of safety, we'd prefer that Darien wasn’t seen as a 'soft target' for perpetrators.

"In addition to the theft of physical items, the Darien Police see many identity-theft and fraud issues stemming from the taking of personal items in these incidents. The theft of a person's identity can cause a ripple effect of crime that is often times difficult to stop and/or measure. Things such as identification cards, licenses, bank cards, checks, bills, personal papers, etc. can be used for a large number of financial crimes."

Below is a breakdown of recent vehicle thefts and burglaries in Darien:

Incident Type: Stolen MV
Reported: 07/02/2019; 5:09 a.m.
Location: Crane Road
Complainant stated her 2018 Black Porche Macan had been stolen from her driveway sometime during the overnight hours. The vehicle had been left unlocked with the keys inside. A second vehicle, which had been locked, was undisturbed.

Incident Type: Stolen MV
Reported: 07/02/2019; 7:28 p.m.
Location: Darien Train Station
Complainant stated his 2019 Land Rover Valar had been stolen from the Eastbound Lot of the Darien Train Station. The vehicle had been parked in the lot at 4:55 a.m. that morning, and was missing when he returned to it at 7:05 p.m. The complainant stated he had left his key-fob under the driver's seat, but that he locked the vehicle upon leaving. There were no signs of forced entry where the vehicle had been.

Incident Type: MV Burglary
Reported: 07/04/2019; 3:42 p.m.
Location: Dickinson Road
Complainant stated she parked her 2018 Nissan Rogue in her driveway the night prior. In the morning, she discovered someone had entered her vehicle and removed several items. Missing was a wallet containing $800 in cash, her driver's license, and several bank cards.

Incident Type: Stolen MV
Reported: 07/05/2019; 7:38 a.m.
Location: Fairfield Avenue
Complainant stated his 2012 Dodge Charger had been stolen sometime during the overnight hours. The vehicle had been left in the driveway unlocked with the key fob inside. A second vehicle in the driveway, a 2011 Dodge Journey, had been left unlocked and was entered as well but nothing appeared to be missing.

Incident Type: MV Burglary
Reported: 07/05/2019; 8:32 a.m.
Location: Fairfield Avenue
Complainant stated that her Subaru had been entered at some time during the overnight hours, but nothing appeared to be missing. The contents of the glove box had been removed, and the compartment left open.

Incident Type: Stolen MV
Reported: 07/05/2019; 9:32 a.m.
Location: Cherry Street
Complainant stated her 2011 Subaru Outback had been stolen from the road in front of her residence at some time during the overnight hours. The vehicle had been left parked and unlocked with the keys inside around 3 p.m. the day prior.

Incident Type: MV Burglary
Reported: 07/05/2019; 10:11 a.m.
Location: Cherry Street
Complainant stated that someone had entered her 2017 Nissan Pathfinder at some point during the overnight hours. Nothing appeared to be missing, but the contents of the glove box and center console had been removed and put on the seats. The vehicle had been unlocked.

Incident Type: MV Burglary
Reported: 07/05/2019; 10:20 a.m.
Location: Cherry Street
Complainant stated that someone had entered his 2012 Toyota Prius at some point during the overnight hours. Nothing appeared to be missing, but the contents of the glove box and center console had been removed and put on the seats. The vehicle had been unlocked.

Incident Type: MV Burglary
Reported: 07/05/2019; 10:39 a.m.
Location: Cherry Street
Complainant stated that someone had entered her 2019 Chevy Traverse at some point during the
overnight hours. Nothing appeared to be missing, but the contents of the glove box and center console had been removed and put on the seats. The vehicle had been unlocked.

Incident Type: MV Burglary
Reported: 07/05/2019; 11:09 a.m.
Location: Fitch Avenue
Complainant stated that someone had entered her 2014 Toyota Sienna at some point during the overnight hours. Nothing appeared to be missing, but the contents of the glove box and center console had been removed and put on the seats. The vehicle had been unlocked.

Incident Type: MV Burglary
Reported: 07/05/2019; 2:13 p.m.
Location: Fairfield Avenue
Complainant stated that someone had entered her 2018 Mazda Cx at some point during the overnight hours. Nothing appeared to be missing, but the contents of the glove box and center console had been removed and put on the seats. The vehicle had been unlocked.

Incident Type: MV Burglary
Reported: 07/05/2019; 4:17 p.m.
Location: Joseph Street
Complainant stated that someone had entered his 2006 Ford Escape at some point during the overnight hours. Approximately $2 in change was missing, and the contents of the glove box and center console had been removed and put on the seats. The vehicle had been unlocked. Complainant stated he heard his car alarm sound around 3:33 a.m., looked outside, but didn't see anything.

Incident Type: MV Burglary
Reported: 07/05/2019; 4:58 p.m.
Location: Cherry Street
Complainant stated that someone had entered her 2016 Nissan Rogue at some point during the overnight hours. The vehicle had been unlocked and was found in the morning with the doors slightly ajar. Missing from the vehicle was a pair of Ray Ban sunglasses, softball equipment, and some golf equipment. The complainant estimated the total loss to be $1,000.

Incident Type: Stolen MV
Reported: 07/06/2019; 9:49 a.m.
Location: Searles Road
Complainant stated that his 2017 Audi Q7 had been stolen during the overnight hours. The vehicle had been left unlocked with the keys inside. The family's Au-Pair had noticed the vehicle missing at 8:20 a.m., but didn't realize it had been stolen.

Incident Type: Stolen MV
Reported: 07/07/2019; 6:49 a.m.
Location: Post Road
Complainant stated that his 2013 Ford Explorer had been stolen during the overnight hours. The vehicle had been left unlocked with the keys inside. The family's Au-Pair had noticed the vehicle missing at 8:20 a.m., but didn't realize it had been stolen. Update: This vehicle was located by NYPD in the Bronx on July 8th. Detectives responded on July 9th to process the vehicle for evidence.

To help avoid falling victim to a vehicle theft or vehicle burglary, the Darien Police Department reminds citizens to:

• Lock your vehicle at all times
• Active vehicle security system
• Don't store primary or secondary keys in the vehicle
• Don't store valuable items in your vehicle
• If suspicious activity or persons are observed, call the Darien Police as soon as possible
• Make sure any security camera systems you have installed in your home are in good working order and pointed in useful directions
• Take advantage of subscriptions offered by your vehicle manufacturer that "connect" the vehicle (i.e.- On Star)

"These simple steps can protect you from dealing with a missing vehicle, stolen personal property, missing cash, identity theft, bank fraud, and more," Palmieri stated. "If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us."