'Smash and Grab' Car Break-ins Concern Southington Police

SOUTHINGTON, CT — Local police Monday morning said they're investigating a rash of car break-ins in town in which windows are being smashed and items stolen from vehicles in town.

As a result, police said they're seeking the public's help in reporting suspicious activity around cars and taking measures to make it harder for thieves to steal from vehicles.

Police said Monday they've had to respond to 18 reported "smash and grab" vehicle burglaries throughout town.

"All have been locked vehicles with valuables left in plain view," police wrote in a statement. "While we still continue to see a large number of unlocked vehicle’s being burglarized, this crime can often be prevented by locking your vehicle not leaving valuables visible from outside the vehicle."

Particularly hard-hit areas of town, police said, were Planet Fitness, the Livewell Alzheimer's Center, Walmart, Bob's Furniture and Planet Fitness, among other sites.

Police said car owners should:

• Lock their 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," police said. "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 their 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," police said. "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 your vehicle tidy.

"Thieves like to window shop," police said. "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," police said. "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," police said. "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 said.

According to police, anyone who observes a crime or suspicious activity, such as a vehicle theft or break-in in progress, should call 911 immediately.

They should be able to provide the 911 dispatcher with as much information as possible, such as:

• Location, such as an address, block number, or specific location in a parking lot.

• A description of the suspect like gender, race, age, height, weight, hair color and length, color and length of facial hair, colors and style of clothing, and identifying marks such as tattoos and piercings.

• Direction if the suspect flees, like the direction of travel. If they flee on a bicycle or in a vehicle, describe the color, make, model, and license plate number, if it is safe to do so.

For more information, call the Southington Police Department at 860-378-1600 or visit this link.