2 Vehicles Stolen, 3 Burglarized In New Canaan: Chief Krolikowski

NEW CANAAN, CT — Two unlocked vehicles were reported stolen Wednesday morning, and three more were broken into, according to New Canaan Police Chief Leon Krolikowski, who believes the incidents may have been committed by gang members.

"These vehicle thefts and the vehicle entries occurred during the early morning hours," wrote Krolikowski in a statement. "It is probable that these crimes were committed by gang members from the New Haven area. Many towns in Fairfield County are experiencing similar crimes."

The two stolen vehicles were a 2013 Mercedes-Benz and a 2017 Kia; the Mercedes was parked with the keys inside in a driveway on Horton Lane, while the Kia was parked, also with the keys inside, in a driveway on Nubel Lane. The Kia has already been recovered in New Haven.

The three burglarized vehicles were parked on Crystal Street, Lincoln Drive and also Nubel Lane, according to Krolikowski, who offered the following tips to avoid such incidents:

1. KEYS: When unattended NEVER leave the keys to your home or 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.

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.

Follow the department on Twitter @newcanaanpolice for crime alerts.

Never hesitate to contact NCPD at 203-594-3500 for assistance.

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