Rash of Car Burglaries Prompts Warning from Glastonbury PD

GLASTONBURY, CT - A recent rash of thefts from vehicles has prompted the Glastonbury police to issue a warning to residents.

"These thefts are occurring in the overnight hours while the vehicles have been parked in residents’ driveways," police wrote in a Facebook post. "The most recent neighborhoods affected include House Street, Griswold Street, Harris Street, Addison Road, and Randolph Drive, but no neighborhoods are immune. In the past these types of sprees have affected neighborhoods in every corner of Glastonbury. In addition, several vehicles have been stolen from the same neighborhoods recently."

While frustrating for residents, Glastonbury police say that in many cases the crimes are preventable.

"You see, these crooks lurk about in your neighborhoods at night when you are sleeping, stealthily moving from driveway to driveway, checking car door handles," police said. "They only enter those cars that are unlocked (so they are very quiet about it). They go through your glove box, your dash consoles, and your trunk looking for anything they can carry and sell for a quick buck. Popular items include iPads and iPods, GPS units, computers, wallets, cash, and change."

In cases where keys are left in vehicles, they are usually stolen, also, to use the car as a means of transportation back to home base, or to go to another neighborhood to fleece, police said.

"It’s easy to prevent yourself from being a victim: Please, Please, Please, lock your vehicles and don’t leave valuables in your car overnight! If you observe someone unfamiliar lurking through the dark in your neighborhood overnight, please call the police department to report them right away, so our midnight shift officers can quickly respond and catch these criminals in the act. Thank You."