Southington Car Burglaries Triple, Thefts Double In 2020

SOUTHUNGTON, CT — Vehicle burglaries and thefts in Southington have tripled and doubled, respectively, over the post year, police said Tuesday.

Southington police are also asking the public's help to thwart the recent increases.

Police said that, between September 28 and 29, eight car burglaries were reported throughout town. Overall, compared to 2019, vehicle burglaries have increased from 85 to 276 and vehicle thefts jumped from 30 to 61 respectively.

In a public service announcement released Tuesday, Southington police said to:

"Lock Doors: A majority of car break-ins and thefts are from unlocked cars. Even if you are parked in front of your house, in your driveway or inside your garage, lock your doors. Criminals like to walk down the street and see if a car is unlocked, if it is they open the door and take whatever is visible and move on to the next target. However, if the door is locked, they are more likely to move on.

"Secure Vehicles: Roll your car windows up all the way and engage the car alarm, but do not depend on it as the only way to deter a thief. A car thief can break into your car and be out in about 30 seconds, fast enough that an alarm doesn't scare most of them away.

"Keep Vehicles Tidy: Thieves like to window shop! Avoid leaving anything visible in the car. Almost any item that's visible from the outside - even if you think it is worthless - could be seen as valuable to a thief. Your spare change, sunglasses, even an empty bag (a thief may think there is something inside the bag) could be valuable in the mind of a thief.

"Conceal All Proof: Stow your electronics and accessories well out of sight, or just take it along with you. The proof alone might be enough to pique the interest of thieves, including items such as power cords, adapters, and GPS windshield suction-cup mounts. If you remove the suction cup, make sure to wipe the ring off the windshield; it's a dead giveaway that you own a GPS.

"Stash Before You Park: Get in the habit of putting items you want hidden in the trunk of your car before you arrive at your destination. Thieves will linger in busy parking lots looking for you to stash your valuable items.

"Park Smart: Park in a busy, well-lit area and avoid concealment from larger vehicles, fences, or foliage. Avoid parking in isolated and poorly-lit areas. "

Police believe the same vehicle believed to be a black 2020 Ford Mustang convertible, with Florida registration BPMU11, stolen out of Bloomfield, has been involved in Southington incidents and in Newington and Rocky Hill.

Police are telling residents who recognize the vehicle or witness a break-in in progress to call 911. Callers should provide the 911 dispatcher with as much information as possible, such as an address, block number, or specific location in a parking lot; a full description of the suspect; and, if the suspect flees, give the direction of travel and the type of vehicle.