Stolen Car Sideswipes Greenwich Patrol Car: Police

GREENWICH, CT — The Greenwich Police Department is urging residents to take their keys and lock their car doors following two dangerous incidents involving stolen cars this week.

Police said in a Facebook post Friday that while investigating a stolen car in town this week, an officer exited his vehicle after trying to block the stolen car, but the suspect drove across the front lawn of a private home and sideswiped the patrol car before fleeing the area. Officers tried stopping the car before it left town via the Merritt Parkway. No injuries were reported.

The next day in the central Greenwich Business District, officers tried to stop and block another stolen car, but the driver "made an unsafe and reckless maneuver and fled to I-95," police said.

"In each case, the suspects were checking for open doors to vehicles. If the keys are inside; the thief steals your car," police added. Keys should be left in your home, and not in the garage or in a car parked in a garage.

When shopping, police said residents should take their keys and lock their doors, even if they're running into a store quickly.

"The thieves operating in Greenwich and the surrounding towns look for these easy targets," police said.

Police also said they've been taking proactive steps to curb the amount of car thefts in town, such as hiring extra officers and using different tactics while out on patrol.

The department is also securing grants, using technology and working with other law enforcement agencies. Other Connecticut towns and municipalities in New York and New Jersey are all experiencing the same problem, police noted.

"Removing the keys is the best way to combat motor vehicle theft. All of our vehicles had one thing in common, unlocked and the keys inside," police said.