Stolen Fairfield County Vehicles Turning Up In Waterbury: Mayor

DARIEN, CT — Since the being of 2016, 654 stolen vehicles have been recovered in Waterbury, more than half of which were stolen from several Connecticut communities including Greenwich and other Fairfield County towns, reports WTNH-TV.

Waterbury Mayor Neil O'Leary acknowledges that it has become a huge problem, echoing the sentiments of Greenwich Police Chief Jim Heavey, New Canaan Police Chief Leon Krolikowski and Darien Police Chief Ray Osborne.

Many of the thefts are being carried out by gang members who travel to various towns, often times looking for high-end vehicles. The thefts are also made all the easier by the number of vehicles that are left unlocked and with the keys inside.

Many of the thefts are simply for joy rides, according to authorities, but they are also often to aid in other crimes.

"We've seen an increase of people coming down to Greenwich and stealing vehicles," said Greenwich Police Lt. John Slusarz recently. "It continues to be a crime of opportunity."

The same could be said in any number of Fairfield County communities. "These crimes are being committed by suspected gang members from Waterbury," wrote Krolikowski in a recent statement. "Many towns in Fairfield County are experiencing similar crimes from the same gang."

Click here to read the full story on the WTNH-TV website.

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