New Canaan Police Search For Vehicle Burglary Suspects: Video

NEW CANAAN, CT — Several unlocked vehicles in New Canaan were burglarized during the overnight hours between Oct. 20 and 21, as Police Chief Leon Krolikowski renewed his call for residents to lock their vehicles to avoid such incidents.

The latest spate of break-ins were reported on Highview Terrace, Old Studio Road and Orchard Drive, and police released surveillance video from one of the burglaries to ask for the public's assistance in catching the suspects.

"Stolen from these vehicles were the following items: a garage door opener, shoes, sunglasses, tax returns, and a vehicle’s paperwork (registration/insurance card)," Krolikowski said in a statement.

The video below - taken with a homeowner's security camera - shows a suspect rifling through an unlocked vehicle, and Krolikowski said "it is probable that these crimes are being committed by gang members" because other Fairfield County towns are experiencing similar crimes.

The Chief offers the following tips to help prevent such crimes:

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. REPORT SUSPICOUS ACTIVITY: Call us to report suspicious persons or vehicles. For urgent matters, call or text 911.

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

6. 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.

7. 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.

From Krolikowski's statement:

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 us on Twitter@newcanaanpolice for crime alerts. Never hesitate to contact NCPD at 203-594-3500 for assistance.

Information about the suspects involved in these crimes should contact Sergeant Peter Condos, 203-594-3522.