Alert Homeowner, Locked Car Doors Foil Car Theft Attempts: Rye PD

RYE, NY — Rye police have been urging car owners to lock their doors for months — it seems the message is getting through and the results can be seen in action on just released security footage.

Early Friday morning, shortly before 2 a.m. Rye police were called to Martin Road after an alert resident saw a stranger in her driveway. The woman was able to give police a full description of the suspect and the vehicle he and his accomplices they were in.

Police on the scene spotted a white SUV fleeing the area. A brief car pursuit was terminated as the SUV crossed the border into Connecticut.

Police say the fact that the suspects left town empty-handed is owed in large part to an increased awareness of the importance of keeping unattended vehicles secure.

"Since 2020 we’ve had 99 vehicles stolen," officials said in a statement released on social media. "All the vehicles that were stolen had the key/fob left inside. In 2023, we had 14 vehicles stolen. We need your help to continue this downward trend. As always, we want to remind you to lock your car doors, secure your valuables, and DO NOT leave your car keys inside your unlocked vehicle. Help us keep criminals out of our neighborhoods by securing your cars."

Police said that last night, almost all of the cars the crew tried to enter were locked tight.