Lock Your Car: Fairfield Police Warn Of Rash Of Thefts, Break-Ins

FAIRFIELD, Conn. — Police are offering common sense advice to residents on how to avoid becoming a victim in the recent spate of car break-ins and thefts occurring in Fairfield and surrounding towns.

Fairfield Police Department
Photo Credit: *Meredith Guinness*

Daily Voice

08/03/2017 4:30 a.m.

The department is "taking a proactive approach to combat this type of criminal activity by reminding the residents of Fairfield to lock your cars and take your keys with you, even when they are parked in your driveway," police said in a statement.

Since April 1, thieves have stolen 35 cars in town, Fairfield police said.

"The current trends show that all of these crimes occurred to vehicles that were unlocked and parked in the driveways of residential neighborhoods," police said.

"These crimes are not limited to any specific neighborhoods within the town and all the vehicles that have been stolen had the key fob left in the vehicle," police said.

In that span of time, there have also been 107 reports of thefts from cars, according to police.

Over the last several weeks, the Fairfield Police Department and many other area towns have seen an increase in thefts from motor vehicles and stolen vehicles.

Also, do not leave valuables in plain sight, and conceal all GPS, cellphones, audio systems computers, purses, wallets, firearms or other items if you leave them inside the car, police said.

You should take anything you can't afford to lose with you when you leave your car, police said. If you put valuables in the trunk, do if before you park, never after you park, as thieves may be watching, police say.

When shopping, ask the store to hold your purchases until you are finished so you can make one trip to your car. If you have to make more than one trip to load your car, move your car to a different area of the parking lot after each trip, police said.

Police also suggest installing locking devices on your batteries, wheels, audio equipment, spare tires and gas tanks to further hinder thieves.

"These crimes are preventable. With the help of the members of the community our hope is that we can eliminate the opportunities for these crimes," Fairfield police said in a statement.

Any suspicious activity in your neighborhood should be reported to the police department immediately at 203-254-4800 or anonymously Text-A-Tip to CRIMES (274637).

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