2 Vehicles Reported Stolen In New Canaan, 2 More Burglarized: PD

NEW CANAAN, CT — Two late-model Jeeps - both unlocked and with the keys inside - were reported stolen over the weekend in New Canaan, and two more vehicles reportedly were burglarized, according to New Canaan Police Chief Leon Krolikowski.

The two Jeeps, a 2017 Wrangler and a 2016 Cherokee, were both reported stolen on May 5, the 2017 from the driveway of a home on Barnegat Road, and the 2016 from a residential driveway on Elm Street. Krolikowski said the 2016 Jeep Cherokee was later recovered damaged on Oenoke Ridge Road.

One of the two burglarized vehicles also was on Barnegat Road, while the other was on Frogtown Road. What, if anything, was taken from the two vehicles was not disclosed, but again, both had been left unlocked.

"These vehicle thefts and the vehicle entries occurred during the early morning hours," Krolikowski stated. "It is probable that these crimes are being committed by gang members."

Many towns in Fairfield County are experiencing similar crimes, Krolikowski added, and some of these stolen vehicles have been used in robberies and drive-by shootings in other communities.

Below the chief offers several tips to help residents avoid becoming a victim of vehicle thefts or burglaries:

1. KEYS: When unattended NEVER leave the key to your home or key/key fob to your car inside a vehicle or in a place where a thief can find them. Do not leave the valet key, key fob or garage door opener inside of your vehicle.

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, garage 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. 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.

6. SECURITY-VIDEO CAMERAS: Consider installing a security/video camera that covers the interior/exterior of your residence and the street near it. The price point of good quality camera systems has dropped recently making this a wise investment.