Thieves Stealing Car Keys from Hartford-Area Dealerships

HARTFORD, CT — A new trend is emerging in Hartford, where car thieves are breaking into dealerships and stealing the keys to vehicles, then either taking the cars right away or returning later to steal them, according to police.

"We have seen cases where vehicles were used to drive over and through the dealership fencing, and other vehicles have followed," Deputy Police Chief Brian Foley said. "Often these cars end up on the streets in the city of Hartford."

The Hartford Police Department recently sent a letter to 198 dealerships and repair shops in the Hartford area, which states:

“The Hartford Police Department Major Crimes Division is investigating six burglaries into vehicle dealerships and automotive repair facilities in the city since this past July. These incidents are occurring in the late night/early morning hours, and the days are spread throughout the week. Suspects have breached doors and windows to the properties and have stolen keys to vehicles that are parked in the lots. On one such occasion, fifty-six (56) keys were taken. Patrol units arrested the suspects when they returned two days later as they entered the property to take the vehicles.

Although several individuals were arrested and more identified, please take appropriate measures in preventing such incidents from occurring at your place of business. Precautions should be made in regard to securing the vehicle keys in a lockbox or at a secure location. It is recommended that the vehicle key box and all relative paperwork such as titles and registrations remain out of view from customers patronizing your business. Although patrol units have been advised to conduct routine patrols at dealerships after hours; it is also imperative that you secure your lots, vehicles, and establishments as best you can. A high-quality surveillance system at one burglary assisted detectives with quickly identifying several suspects.

Please report any suspicious activity to the Hartford Police Department Major Crimes Division."

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