Police chief: ‘Carelessness’ of residents leads to more vehicle crimes

NEW CANAAN — Police are asking residents to remove valuable items and lock their cars at night after a series of burglaries.

Police Chief Leon Krolikowski said the department responded to a number of break-ins starting last Thursday. He said police responded at 9 a.m. Thursday for a complaint from Cheese Spring Road, where an unlocked vehicle was entered in the resident’s driveway.

Krolikowski said about $5,000 worth of golf gear and equipment was reported stolen from the vehicle.

Two days later, Krolikowski said police responded to Mill Road on a report of vehicles being entered by suspects who were in a dark-colored SUV around 2:30 a.m. Saturday.

Krolikowski said officers investigating the burglaries discovered a Honda Accord that had been reported stolen in Bridgeport.

“In addition, investigating officers found an unlocked vehicle parked in a driveway that was entered and several residential mailboxes that had been entered,” he said.

Krolikowski said officers responded to a residence on Silvermine Road on the report of 2017 Jaguar that was stolen from the driveway. He said the vehicle was left unlocked with the key inside.

Krolikowski said the stolen vehicle was later involved in a high-speed pursuit with New York State Police that morning. He said no arrests were made and the vehicle has not been recovered.

“Another unlocked vehicle in the same driveway was entered but nothing was stolen from it,” Krolikowski said.

The chief again warned residents to lock their cars

and not leave keys, key fobs or garage door openers inside vehicles, and to make sure car alarms are active.

Krolikowski also advised residents to keep the exterior of their homes and driveways well-lit, to close and lock their car and home’s doors and windows, as well as shut their garage doors whenever they are not home.

“All of the thefts from vehicles and vehicle thefts that occur in our town involve unlocked vehicles,” he said.

In addition, Krolikowski said residents should never leave valuables, licenses or credit cards in vehicles. He suggested residents could

consider buying a security camera that covers the interior and exterior of their home and the road near it.

“The price point of camera systems has dropped recently making this a wise investment,” he said.

Krolikowski reminded residents that, “despite the COVID-19 pandemic, criminal gangs are active throughout Fairfield County.” He said stolen cars have been used in violent crimes.

“We urge our residents to be more cautious and practice good crime prevention strategies,” Krolikowski said. “This carelessness is putting our entire town at risk.”