Stamford Police Remind Residents To Lock Their Vehicles

Stamford CT

22 January, 2021

9:30 AM

Description

STAMFORD, CT — The Stamford Police Department is reminding residents to lock and secure their vehicles to prevent them from being stolen or having items stolen from them. In a statement released over the weekend, Capt. Richard Conklin said the department has been reminding residents to secure their vehicles for the past few years and will "continue to endorse and disseminate" this message. (To sign up for Stamford breaking news alerts and more, click here.) The captain's full statement can be read below: The Stamford Police Department is once again reminding residents to lock and secure their motor vehicles. This is a message that the Stamford Police Department has been putting out to our community in recent years and will continue to endorse and disseminate. The benefits to adhering to these safety precautions are best illustrated by our most recent monthly crime statistics from December 2020. During that month, 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. The statistics for theft from a motor vehicle are also very interesting. During the month of December 2020, 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. 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. In closing, some thought should be given to items left in the vehicle. 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. Following these simple tips will go a long way to help residents from becoming victims to these types of crimes. Thank you. Capt. Richard Conklin, Stamford Police Department