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Lock Your Car: Crime Spree Could Have Been Prevented, New Canaan Police Say

NEW CANAAN, Conn. — The New Canaan police chief is reminding residents to protect their valuables after a car stolen in town last weekend was used in a crime spree in Trumbull and Bridgeport. 

The stolen car from New Canaan was stopped Saturday on Route 25 near the Daniels Farm Road exit after a crime spree, police said.

The stolen car from New Canaan was stopped Saturday on Route 25 near the Daniels Farm Road exit after a crime spree, police said.

Photo Credit: Trumbull Police Department

"These crimes may have been prevented," Chief of Police Leon Krolikowski said Tuesday.  

On Saturday, Aug. 12, the New Canaan Police Department investigated a complaint that two vehicles had been stolen overnight from Gower Road, he said. Both vehicles had been left unlocked with the keys inside, Krolikowski said.

After it was stolen, one the cars — a BMW SUV — was used in robberies in Bridgeport and Trumbull, he said. 

The stolen SUV was then involved in a police pursuit through Trumbull and Bridgeport and onto Route 25, where it was stopped and five teenagers were arrested, Krolikowski said. 

The other stolen vehicle was recovered in Waterbury, he said.

Related story: Five Teens In BMW SUV Stolen In New Canaan Charged In Trumbull Crime Spree

"Thus far this year, all of the vehicles stolen in our town involved unlocked vehicles with the keys left inside," Krolikowski said. "In addition to these vehicle thefts, many thefts of valuables from unlocked vehicles occurred. Often, these thefts result in identity thefts."

Gang members from Bridgeport, Hartford, and Waterbury are suspects and/or have been arrested in these crimes, he said. 

This type of crime can be prevented by following these tips, Krolikowski said:

  • KEYS: Never leave the keys to your home or car inside a vehicle or in a place where a thief can find them.
  • Light up your home: At night, keep the perimeter of your home and driveway well lit. Low-energy lighting switched on and off by photoelectric sensors is a cost-effective way to discourage criminals.
  • Lock-up: Always lock all doors and windows of your car and home whenever you leave, day or night, even for a short time. If you have a garage, put your car in it and lock/alarm both the car and the garage.
  • Secure valuables: Never leave valuables in your vehicle. Often, identity theft occurs when drivers’ licenses and credit cards are stolen.
  • Use your alarm system: Always activate your home and car alarm systems. The majority of successful crimes that occur in our town involve houses or cars that have alarm systems that were not activated.

Send anonymous tips to the police department by downloading the “MYPD” application in the iPhone or Android marketplace. After downloading the application search for “New Canaan” and get connected.

Contact the New Canaan Police Department at 203-594-3500.

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