Phone Alert Warning About Thefts From Cars On North Fork Startles Some

NORTH FORK, NY – A loud, blaring alert on cell phones startled some North Fork residents Tuesday as Southold Town Police sent out a public safety warning, urging people to lock their vehicles at night after a rash of thefts.

"This is a message from the Southold Town Police Department, urging all residents to lock their vehicles and to bring keys and valuables inside at night," the alert said. "Please report all suspicious activity to Southold Police at 631-756-2600."

According to Southold Police Department Acting Chief James Ginas, there were two announcements that went out prior to the mass notification alert in an attempt to urge residents to secure their vehicles and belongings.

"We wanted to reach a larger audience, so the Suffolk County Department of Fire Rescue and Emergency Services' mass notification system was utilized. It is used on a regular basis in the five East End towns of Suffolk County and has been used by Southold in the past," he said.

Since August 4, here have been 4 stolen vehicles and more than 40 reported larcenies from vehicles, Ginas said.

An electronic sign has also been erected on Main Road in Mattituck, urging residents to lock their car doors at night, Ginas said.

The Southold Town Police Department is currently investigating the ongoing rash of larcenies from unlocked vehicles in residential driveways, police said Friday.

There have been numerous cases of thefts from vehicles; in addition, several motor vehicles have also been stolen. In all cases, vehicles were left unlocked and ignition keys were left inside the vehicle, police said.

"We are urging all residents to lock their vehicles, remove any valuables overnight and keep your ignition keys/fobs secured in your house," police said.

Video provided to Southold Town Police indicates that people are walking through yards and checking vehicle doors; if they are locked they move on, police said.

Southold Police said they are working with specialized units from other agencies. Directed patrols of residential neighborhoods have also been initiated during the overnight hours, police said.
"If you observe suspicious activity, do not engage the suspects — immediately call 911," police said.

Residents said while startled, they agreed the thefts from cars were not unique to Southold Town but an ongoing issue across the East End; similar safety warnings have been issued by Southampton Police and others.