Wallingford police warn of spike in vehicle thefts

WALLINGFORD — Police said they have seen a spike in stolen vehicles this year.

According to Wallingford police Sgt. Stephen Jaques, the department has received 24 stolen vehicle complaints so far this year, 17 more than it saw during the same period last year.

“This increase is attributed largely to people leaving their vehicles unlocked and running to warm their vehicles up in the morning while getting ready to leave home for the day,” Jaques said. “Thieves across the state are targeting vehicles being left in this vulnerable condition.”

With this spike, police are warning the community to stay vigilant and protect their vehicles.

“While we recognize citizens would like their morning commute to be pleasant, if you leave your keys in your vehicle while it is running/warming up in the morning, there is a risk that your car will be stolen,” Jaques noted.

The police department advised motorists to lock their car doors when leaving their vehicle unattended and remove any keys or fobs from the vehicle when not inside. Drivers should not leave their vehicles running with the keys inside while not present, Jaques said.

Motorists who want to warm their cars in the morning could try installing a remote starter kit, Jaques suggested.

Valuable and expensive items should also be removed from the vehicle if it is left outside, he added.

Because of this rise in thefts, police said they have applied for the American Rescue Plan Act Auto Theft and Violence

grant “to provide additional resources.” Any thefts should be reported to the Wallingford Police Department at 203-294-2800 or, if not in Wallingford, to the local police department. Anyone who sees a crime in progress should call 911.