Owner Of Camry Stolen From Concord Left Handgun Unattended In Car

CONCORD, NH — Concord police are asking for leads concerning a Domino’s Pizza delivery car stolen on Wednesday.

Around 6 p.m., a delivery driver left his black Toyota Camry with Texas plates unattended with its engine running in the parking lot of Domino’s on North Main Street. The driver went into the store and, not long after, a woman, who was almost hit by the car speeding out of the parking lot, went into the store to file a complaint about the driver.

When she did that, the employee realized his car had been stolen.

The car had only been left running in the parking lot about a minute, according to John Thomas, the deputy police chief in Concord. A BOLO (be-on-the-lookout) alert was sent out to law enforcement agencies across the state with an officer safety warning — since a handgun was left inside of the stolen car.

The car is a black 2016 Toyota Camry with Texas license plate beginning with “KFT.”

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Uptick In Transportation Thefts

Thomas said police have seen an uptick in transportation thefts — cars, bicycles, and scooters, anything that can be used for transportation. Many of the thefts have been made by members of the homeless population in Concord, he said. Thomas said Manchester Street had been an area targeted by thieves at both homes and dealerships.

Homeless people are primary suspects of thefts due to the need for transportation, he said.

“There has been a high uptick of those during the last year,” Thomas said, “all across the board.”

It is illegal in New Hampshire to leave a motor vehicle unattended with its engine running and unlocked — a charge that is not often pursued by police or the city prosecutor, Thomas said.

“Motor vehicle owners need to be aware of the statute for unattended vehicles,” he said. “Leaving your keys and car running is a violation offense. It is very rare that we charge people; they have already become a victim. But that trend may change because of the uptick in cases.”

Even if the vehicle is on your private property, it should not be left running or should be locked with left running. Bikes should also be locked or stored while scooters should be stored to keep from getting stolen.

The case of the delivery car is a prime example of the danger of leaving vehicles unattended since a handgun was also left inside without supervision.

It is understandable that delivery drivers might want to be armed for personal protection. At the same time, handguns should not be left in unlocked, running cars. And, in New Hampshire, so long as drivers are not felons, they can conceal carry without a permit — allowing for personal safety and the gun being holstered with the owner, so they know where it is at all times. This is basic gun safety 101.

Thomas said anyone leaving a car unattended or a bike unlocked is “making it easier for the bad guys to obtain these vehicles and other transportation devices.” Securing the vehicle or bike is a process that needs to be performed by the user or owner.

“Take that extra step to make it more difficult to steal things,” Thomas advised.

Concord Regional Crimeline at 603-226-3100, or submit information online through the Crimeline website at concordregionalcrimeline.com, or text message TIP234 and your message to CRIMES (274637). Crimeline awards cash to anyone whose information leads to the arrest and indictment of criminals. All tips remain anonymous.

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