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New Canaan Police Chief Leon Krolikowski said the department received complaints on Sunday, May 5, that a 2017 Jeep Wrangler was stolen from the driveway of a residence on Barnegat Road, and that a 2016 Jeep Cherokee was stolen from the driveway of a residence on upper Elm Street.
Both stolen vehicles were unlocked and the key fobs were inside both vehicles, Krolikowski said.
The 2016 Jeep Cherokee was recovered damaged on Oenoke Ridge Road, he said.
In addition, on May 5, the department received reports of unlocked vehicles being entered on Frogtown Road and Barnegat Road during the early morning hours.
"It is probable that these crimes are being committed by gang members," Krolikowski said. "Many towns in Fairfield County are experiencing similar crimes and some of these stolen vehicles have been used in robberies and drive-by shootings."
The chief said the crimes could have been prevented by following the tips below:
- KEYS: When unattended never leave the key to your home or key/key fob to your 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.
- LOCK-UP: ALWAYS lock all doors, garage doors and windows of your car and home whenever you leave, day or night, even for a short time.
- 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.
- SECURITY-VIDEO CAMERAS: Consider installing a security/video camera that covers the interior/exterior of your residence and the street near it.
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