Glastonbury Police Say Some Residents Have Been Followed Home And Targeted For Vehicle-Related Thefts

GLASTONBURY, CT — Glastonbury police are warning residents about an increase in motor vehicle thefts and thefts from vehicles, including incidents in which suspects allegedly follow residents home before targeting their vehicles.

Police Chief Marshall S. Porter said investigators have reason to believe that, in some cases, individuals have followed residents home and subsequently targeted their vehicles for theft.

Residents are being urged to remain alert, particularly when returning home, and immediately report suspicious activity to police.

The department is increasing patrols throughout town, using both marked and unmarked police vehicles, in response to the recent incidents, Porter said in a statement dated Nov. 13.

Investigators also have made progress in several ongoing cases and believe they have identified some of the individuals responsible. Police anticipate arrests in the near future, according to Porter.

The department's automated license plate reader system also continues to alert officers when stolen vehicles enter or travel through Glastonbury. The technology has helped officers locate stolen vehicles, interrupt crimes in progress and identify suspects in investigations.

Porter encouraged residents to take several precautions to reduce their chances of becoming victims, including:

• Lock vehicles at all times, including when parked in driveways or garages.
• Never leave keys or key fobs inside vehicles. Keep spare keys and fobs secured inside the home.
• Never leave vehicles running unattended, including while pumping gas, warming them up or making quick stops at stores.
• Remove valuables, including wallets, purses and electronics, from vehicles.
• Keep garage doors closed and secured, and avoid leaving garage door openers inside vehicles parked outside.
• Watch for suspicious vehicles or individuals, particularly those driving slowly through neighborhoods, entering driveways or checking vehicle doors.

Anyone who believes they are being followed should not drive home or confront the individuals, Porter said. Instead, they should continue to a safe, populated location or police station and contact police immediately.

Residents also are encouraged to report unusual activity promptly so officers have an opportunity to intervene before a crime occurs.

Two sentenced to 20 years in prior Glastonbury crimes

In a separate development, Porter announced that two individuals arrested in connection with a series of robberies and motor vehicle thefts committed in Glastonbury in 2024 have each been sentenced to 20 years in prison.

Porter said the sentences demonstrate that police investigations continue even after suspects leave town or a crime has been committed.

He also credited Glastonbury officers, detectives and support staff for their work investigating crimes, identifying suspects and recovering stolen property.

The chief urged residents to remain vigilant and work with police by securing their property and promptly reporting suspicious activity.