The Greenwich Police Department wants to address concerns regarding an alleged “home invasion” that was reported to have occurred during the early morning hours on May 10, in Town.
GPD would like to clarify that no home invasion or burglary occurred.
Instead, there was an alarm activation at a residence, the activation point being the front door. Two of our Greenwich Police Department Officers responded promptly to the scene and found that the home was undamaged and showed no signs of forced entry. The Officers offered to search the residence, but the homeowner declined.
The Greenwich Police Department understands that recent burglaries committed by car thieves have caused fear and alarm in our community.
The idea of criminals entering an occupied home is indeed a frightening matter, and we want to assure you that the Greenwich Police Department is working diligently to identify, locate, and apprehend these criminals.
Further, we understand the emotions that these burglaries can evoke, but we urge residents to refrain from spreading misinformation.
Misinformation and inaccurate information only serve to heighten the fear and anxiety that residents may already be experiencing.
An example of false information: This morning, GPD received information that the homeowner where the alarm activated occurred had security cameras showing men trying to defeat the front door lock and that the front door was opened. Detectives investigating the recent burglaries were immediately detailed to respond to the residence, only to find that there were no security cameras and no evidence that the door had been tampered with or even opened.
It is crucial that we all work together to ensure that only accurate information is shared and that rumors and false details are not spread. Doing so can prevent unnecessary panic and confusion within our community. The Greenwich Police Department will release information regarding matters of public concern when it is of immediate public safety concern or for awareness. We do not share information regarding open and active investigations unless there is a safety concern. This is to protect the integrity of the investigation.
The burglaries on April 30 and May 1 were connected to motor vehicle theft. In response, we have taken proactive measures such as setting up extra patrols and assigning additional officers to an auto theft detail. Furthermore, we have collaborated with law enforcement agencies in New York and Connecticut to identify and apprehend suspects involved in these crimes. Since May 1, we have located and apprehended nine suspects in stolen vehicle investigations in Greenwich, and our Detective Division is making progress in the open and dynamic investigation of the April 30th and May 1st burglaries.
While Police Officers cannot always be everywhere, we want to reaffirm our commitment to providing superior law enforcement services to the Town of Greenwich. We will not cease to prevent and deter criminal activity and apprehend criminal actors who come to our town.”
Police urge all residents to take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their property.
Please remember always to lock your vehicles and residences, activate your alarms, and ensure that your home outdoor cameras, if equipped, are functioning correctly. If you notice any suspicious activity, do not hesitate to report it immediately to the Police Department via 911.
If you see someone on your property or your neighbors attempting to steal a vehicle or other property or acting suspiciously, please do not confront them. Instead, contact 911 immediately.
Police appreciate your cooperation, patience, and vigilance as we combat this issue.
Anyone with information that may be helpful to the investigation, please do not hesitate to contact the Greenwich Police Department.
• 24 hrs Non-Emergency Line – 203-622-8004
• Confidential Tipline – 203-622-3333
• Confidential Email – [email protected]