Car break-ins are running rampant in all communities, Hamden, Milford, New Haven, Bridgeport, Stratford, and of course, you may have noticed, Orange.
The unscrupulous individuals who are victimizing vehicle owners are not choosy about the neighborhoods in which they perform their crimes, nor do they wait until nightfall.
In the past year, people are noticing their cars have been entered and rummaged through at all hours of the day and night, it doesn’t seem to matter, according to Orange Asst. Police Chief Max Martins. “These are crimes of opportunity,” he said. “COVID may have contributed to the frequency of these crimes, with more people working from home and kids being free to roam without supervision, along with people not locking their cars. What we’re experiencing is that the unknown suspects are not forcing their way into the vehicles. They just check the door, and if it’s open they go inside to see what they can take.”
Martins added that several cars have been stolen in the past year as well. They often are recovered fairly quickly but stolen cars can, and are used in the commission of other crimes.
So, how do you protect yourself and your vehicle from being targeted?
LOCK your car. Do NOT leave the keys or FOB inside your vehicle. A locked vehicle is usually left alone.
Don’t be a victim, Lock your car whenever you are not in it. Even if you intend to “go out” in a few minutes. It only takes a few minutes for someone to target your vehicle.
