Car Thefts Up In Summer, So Lock Your Doors: Fairfield PD

FAIRFIELD, CT — Summer is the most popular season for vehicle thefts and break-ins. Fairfield police are urging residents to lock their cars to avoid being easy targets.

"As the temperature rises, so does the number of vehicle break-ins and thefts across the country," Police Chief Christopher Lyddy said in a department news release.

July is recognized by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration as National Vehicle Theft Prevention Month. According to the administration, more than 770,000 vehicles are stolen each year and 40.9 percent are never recovered. Car parts and valuable items left in vehicles are also targets for thieves. Parts that may be targeted include radios, wheel covers, doors, engines, transmissions and airbags, as well as items such as GPS units, cellphones, iPads, laptops and purses.

"We encourage residents to follow these tips in order to protect their vehicle and other valuable possessions this summer," Lyddy said in the news release.

• Take your keys with you when you leave your car.
• Close all windows and lock the doors.
• Never leave valuables in the vehicle. Anything stored in the car should be out of sight or in the trunk.
• Never leave credit or debit cards, cash, or a wallet or purse inside a vehicle overnight.
• Park in well-lit areas or inside a garage. Park in a place where the car is not hidden by foliage or larger vehicles. Install lights with motion sensors near where the vehicle is parked.
• Get in the routine of ensuring the vehicle is locked and secure each night around 9 p.m.

If a vehicle is stolen or broken into, follow these steps:

• Call the police to make a report. Insurance companies will need a copy of the police report and/or a case number.
• You may be asked to provide the license plate number; make, model and color of the car; VIN number and any identifying characteristics.
• Contact your insurance company to file a claim within 24 hours of when the theft or break-in was discovered.