Police: Stolen Cars From Vernon Recovered in Hartford, Fob Keys Part of the Cause

VERNON, CT — Vernon police said on Tuesday that several stolen cars recently recovered on Hartford have been from town.

"Remember to lock your cars and take the keys with you," Vernon police said in a message to residents. "The vast majority of motor vehicle burglaries and stolen cars this year are because cars were left unlocked and keys were left in the vehicle overnight."

Hartford Police said that, as of July 25, they have recovered 235 stolen motor vehicles from out of town. That is a projected 425-plus over a 12-month period, they said. An HPD officer had a personal vehicle stolen in South Windsor last week, Hartford police said.

The vehicle was recovered in Hartford and it was a key fob theft, Hartford police said.

Push button ignition system seem to be presenting a common theme.

"Car thieves are aware people leave their key fobs in the cars," Hartford police said. "We have found that the suspects are canvassing suburban neighborhoods in towns within the region. Suspects walk the streets and driveways neighborhoods and pull on car door handles."

In the newer model vehicles, if the fob is left in the vehicle, it will essentially be unlocked, police said.

Once in the car, all the thieves have to do is press the ignition button, police said.

If a key fob is within the vehicle, or even within several feet of it like in a neighboring parked vehicle, the vehicle will start, police said.