Darien police chief: Unlocked car thefts lead to ‘crimes of violence’

DARIEN — Police Chief Donald Anderson has issued a strong statement urging residents to lock their doors, saying he didn’t want to have to say, “I told you so.”

He said Darien investigators have connected a juvenile car burglary suspect from an unlocked vehicle incident in Darien to a dangerous shooting incident in another Connecticut jurisdiction.

“We are actively investigating many of our other similar incidents with a fair measure of anticipated success. Our officers are out there patrolling all of our neighborhoods, especially during the overnight hours,” he said.

Anderson said many of the stolen cars taken from Darien have turned up in some of Connecticut’s larger cities like Waterbury, Bridgeport and New Haven as well as in New York and New Jersey.

“They most assuredly have been used in many crimes, including crimes of violence,” Anderson said.

He said on Dec. 8, a Waterbury police officer was shot while investigating a stolen vehicle incident. The officer was shot as the car sped toward them.

“Thankfully, his life was saved by his ballistic vest and quick medical treatment. Apprehensions were made and additional arrests are expected. So, my question today to our residents is this: What will it take?” Anderson said.

During a recent stolen car incident in Darien, a suspect attempted to ram a police cruiser while trying to evade capture.

“So, what will it take? It will simply take a second to ensure that your vehicle is properly locked with all of your valuables secured. It is seemingly a very easy request when measured up against what could occur. I am quite reasonably apprehensive that any one of these preventable incidents could again put our officers, our residents or any member of the public in imminent or grave danger,” Anderson said.

Darien Police continue to report motor vehicle crimes.