Southington Police Warning Residents About Vehicle Break-Ins

SOUTHINGTON, CT - Police on Tuesday said the town had had "a rash" of vehicle brerak-in over the past several months and are warning residents to lock their car and truck doors.

"While officers are diligently working to solve this problem there are things that the residents of town can do to prevent these crimes," police said in a statement released on Tuesday.

Police offered several tips:

Lock Doors

"While this piece of advice should be a no-brainer, up to a quarter of vehicle thefts are from unlocked cars," police said. "Even if you're running into the store for a Coke, that's too long to leave your vehicle's contents open for the taking. Simply locking the doors will deter those who might just be waiting around for an easy target."

Keep It Tidy

"Almost any worthless personal item that is visible from the outside - even an empty shopping bag - could be seen as a valuable or a carrier of valuables," police said. "If you have a wagon or SUV that leaves your cargo area on display, consider getting a cover. Most of these vehicles can be fitted with inexpensive retractable covers to help keep shopping bags or other belongings out of sight."

Conceal All The Evidence

"Don't leave any bait out for thieves. Stow your electronics and accessories well out of sight-or better yet, bring them with you," police said. "The evidence alone might be enough to pique the interest of thieves, so hide that too, including power plugs, tell-tale iPod adapters, or nav-system windshield suction-cup mounts, and even put the cigarette lighter back in place."

Stash Before You Park

"Get in the habit of putting shopping bags in the trunk right when you return to the vehicle, rather than after you park at the next place," police said. "According to National Insurance Crime Bureau spokesman Frank Scafidi, thieves sometimes linger in busy parking lots looking for valuables being moved out of sight. Don't display to them what you have."

Completely Close Windows and Sunroofs

"No, it's not just because thieves might reach in through the gap and open your locks with a coat hanger. Open windows will disable the pressure sensor in some car alarms, leaving the vehicle more vulnerable to break-in and potentially giving thieves more time before the alarm sounds," police said.

Park for Visibility

"Park in a busy, well-lit area, and avoid concealment from larger vehicles, fences, or

foliage," police said. "Except for the most brazen thieves, the greater the chances are that someone might see a crime in progress, the lower the chances are that the potential thief will attempt it."

Layer Your Defenses

"That's the strategy recommended by the NICB," police said. "Layers include warning devices such as alarms, wheel etching, decals, immobilizers, and even tracking systems. They are not are foolproof, but if they're used in tandem they can really keep the chances down, according to Loretta Worters, vice president of the Insurance Information Institute."

Police said anyone who sees or hears, "anything or anyone suspicious in a neighborhood," can call the Southington Police Department at 860-621-0101.