Rash of Thefts from Cars in Southeast, Putnam Valley

More than 20 thefts of property from parked cars in Southeast and Putnam Valley have been reported in the past two weeks, said Putnam County Sheriff Donald Smith.

The common denominator: none of the cars was locked.

Cash, credit cards, GPS devices and electronics are some of the items stolen, police said.

In addition, two cars have been stolen, both from Southeast; one on Dec. 14 and one Dec. 16. One was recovered abandoned in Westchester County.

Lock your cars at all times, including in the driveway, Smith said. Arm your car alarms, if you have them. Make sure security lights on driveways and parking areas are on.

Smith also asked residents to be vigilant, to notice things in their neighborhoods and not hesitate to call.

“Thieves can be opportunistic,” he said. “At this time of year especially, thieves know that people might leave Christmas presents or holiday shopping money in their cars, and so the thieves are on the lookout for unlocked cars.”