10 Unlocked Vehicles Burglarized, 1 Stolen, In New Canaan: Police Chief

NEW CANAAN, CT — Ten vehicles were reportedly broken into, and one stolen, in New Canaan over the July 4th holiday, and in all of the cases the vehicles were unlocked, according to Police Chief Leon Krolikowski.

"The vehicle entries occurred in the areas of Upper Elm Street, Graystone Circle, Millport Avenue, Richmond Hill Road, Sunrise Avenue, and West Hills Road," wrote Krolikowski in a statement. "Taken during these thefts were wallets, cash, credit cards, drivers’ licenses, a cellphone and other valuables. All of these vehicles were unlocked."

The car stolen from Graystone Circle, a 2015 Porsche with the keys left inside, has been recovered, and is the subject of an active investigation, the chief added.

Below are tips from Krolikowski to help prevent such occurrences:

1. KEYS: NEVER leave the keys to your home or car inside a vehicle or in a place where a thief can find them.

2. LIGHT UP YOUR HOME: At night, keep the perimeter of your home & driveway well lit. Low energy lighting switched on and off by photoelectric sensors (low light switches) is a cost-effective way to discourage criminals.

3. LOCK-UP: ALWAYS lock all doors and windows of your car and home whenever you leave, day or night, even for a short time. If you have a garage, put your car in it and lock/alarm both the car and the garage. Virtually all of the thefts from vehicles and vehicle thefts that occur in our Town involve unlocked vehicles.

4. SECURE VALUABLES: NEVER leave valuables in your vehicle. Often, identity theft occurs when drivers’ licenses and credit cards are stolen.

5. USE YOUR ALARM SYSTEM: ALWAYS activate your home and car alarm systems. Many successful crimes that occur in our Town involve houses or cars that have alarm systems that were not activated.

"Be better informed, connected, and send anonymous tips to our Department by downloading the 'MYPD' application in the iPhone or Android marketplace. After downloading the application search for 'New Canaan' and get connected."

Additionally, you can follow the New Canaan Police Department on Twitter @newcanaanpolice for crime alerts. Also never hesitate to contact the department at 203-594-3500 (or if urgent via 911) for suspicious persons or vehicles.

"If you see something, say something."

Photo credit: Norwell, MA Police Department

(Editor's Note: Patch is re-posting this story in case you missed it the first time around.)