Rash of Stolen Car Cases Plagues Westport

WESTPORT, CT — Local police report that nine vehicles have been stolen in Westport over the past two months, and in every case the doors were unlocked and the keys were left inside.

Department officials also said Westport has "experienced numerous vehicle break-ins during the month of December," and again, in all of those car burglary cases the doors were unlocked. Nearly all of the vehicle break-ins and thefts also occurred during the overnight hours.

In most cases, the stolen cars were eventually recovered, and police are continuing to search for suspects.

"The Westport Police Department reminds you to please lock your car and bring your keys inside," police wrote in a statement. "Please remember to take valuables out of your car for the night, such as cash, purses, wallets and electronics. It is also good practice to keep outside lights on and motion lights activated. Please notify the Police Department if it appears your vehicle was entered or you observe anything suspicious in your neighborhood."

Below are statements from eight recent car thefts illustrating how important it is to lock vehicles:

• 12/02/16: "He also stated his daughter left the vehicle unlocked with the key in the console."
• 12/14/16: "The vehicle had been parked on the left side of the driveway with no other vehicles in front of it or behind it. The vehicle was unlocked and the keys were left either on the driver-side floor or the middle console."
• 12/25/16: "At approximately 0730 hours, the victim reported someone just attempted to steal his vehicle after he left it running in driveway."
• 12/30/16: "Victim stated he always leaves his keys in the vehicle and always leaves the vehicle unlocked."
• 12/30/16: "The key fob for the vehicle was also in the center console and the vehicle was unlocked."
• 01/06/17: "Responded to xxxxx on a report of a stolen car. Upon arrival I spoke with the owner who stated that he parked the car around 1845 hours on 1/5/17. The vehicle was unlocked and the keys were inside."
• 01/09/17: "Victim said he went to sleep around 2300 hours and did not hear anything suspicious during the night. Victim said his key was left in his center console and his vehicle must have been unlocked."
• 01/09/17: "Doors were unlocked and the key was left in the vehicle."

Patch file photo

(Editor's Note: Patch is re-posting this story in case you missed it the first time around.)