Unlocked Cars Yield 1 Arrest In Rockland

NANUET, NY — A 21-year-old Spring Valley man was accused of breaking into vehicles and stealing from them. Clarkstown police said the man, whose name was not released, appeared to have been walking through a neighborhood checking for unlocked doors.

Police said he was able to remove change and a small amount of cash from the cars.

The incident occurred around 5 a.m. July 18, police said.

A homeowner who lives on S. Pascack Road in Nanuet, was awakened by a notification from a home surveillance system that there was motion detected in the home's driveway.

Police said a description of two men entering a vehicle was observed on video.

The officers who responded to the call established a perimeter of the area after two men were seen by officers.

A search was conducted and, with additional information being called in by other neighbors, one suspect was taken into custody.

Police said the second man has not been located, but the investigation continues.

The 21-year-old who was arrested was charged with petit larceny, fifth-degree criminal possession of stolen property and resisting arrest, misdemeanors.

He was arraigned in the Clarkstown Justice Court and was released on his own recognizance.

The man is scheduled to return to court July 29.

Authorities said the arrest highlights the problem of car larcenies as crimes of opportunity.

The Clarkstown Police Department wants to remind homeowners to take the extra minute to remove valuables from your vehicles, remove keys or fobs from your vehicle and lock your doors.

Police said that these measures will help reduce these petty but real crimes. If you see something, say something by calling 911 or you may also send an anonymous tip to the police by using TIP411. Send a text message to 847411 (TIP411), then type the keyword ROCKLANDCODA, add a space, type your tip info and hit send.

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