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The Stamford Police Department reports that month after month the number of vehicles burglarized and stolen continue to rise as motorists fail to secure their vehicles and valuables.
"The benefits to adhering to these safety precautions are best illustrated by our most recent monthly crime statistics from December 2020," said Capt. Richard Conklin.
During December, 14 motor vehicles were reported stolen. It should be noted that all 14 motor vehicles were left unlocked with the keys or key fob in them, Conklin said.
In addition to theft of a vehicle, the numbers also continue to rise for thefts from vehicles, he added.
During the month of December, there were 28 thefts reported from vehicles. The reports show 27 of the 28 thefts were from vehicles that were left unlocked. Only one vehicle theft of the 28 was reported where force was used to enter the vehicle.
"Our experience shows that many thefts from motor vehicles occur under the cover of darkness, with suspects often attempting to open doors of many vehicles in a neighborhood or area," Conklin said.
The Stamford Police Department has many security video examples of suspects trying doors and moving through neighborhoods. Mostly the suspects, upon finding the door locked, continue to the next vehicle without attempting to force entry, he added.
"If something of value is observed in plain view, such as a laptop computer, phone, or pocketbook this could add to the chance that the motor vehicle could be broken into," Conklin said.
Locking a vehicle and removing valuables would help lower the number of incidents, Conklin said.
"It's that simple," he added.
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