Greenwich continues to be a target for car thieves and break-ins.
This week during his regular interview on WGCH 1490 with Tony Savino on Monday, Greenwich Police Chief James Heavey shared advice for residents about how to discourage criminals.
“We’re imploring people: Lock your cars. Lock your doors. Set your alarms. All the things you can do to make yourself less vulnerable, whether it’s lights on timers or motion detectors.”
Heavey said residents share video from home surveillance systems, which was helpful, and that earlier Monday morning someone had reported that their camera captured someone attempting to open one of their doors.
“Obviously they were scared by the motion detector light coming on. But we have documentation of the individual going up to the door.”
The Police Chief advised residents to set their alarms and put lights on timers when they are away. Also, not to leave mail uncollected or newspapers at the end of the driveway.
“This makes it all so you’re less vulnerable,” Heavey said.
He said police had recently recovered some stolen vehicles and that one of their detectives participates on a multi-jurisdictional task force that includes CT, NY and the feds, who are making good progress in their investigations.
“These are different groups coming in, and unfortunately we have that bad reputation that is bringing those people here,” Heavey said.
With the exception of some Kia vehicles, which have a vulnerable ignition system, every single car stolen has had the fob or the key left in the vehicle.
Heavey suggested residents keep their key fob nearby when they’re at home, and if they hear something outside, make the fob chirp.
“Make those little extra efforts to keep safe,” he advised. “It’s not just the police that are going to stop this, it’s the community. If you see something say something.”
“You know best what belongs or doesn’t belong in your neighborhood,” he added.
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Seconds later the suspect raises his hand to gesture at the camera.
Greenwich Police Warn Residents Thieves are Burglarizing Homes to Take Car Keys and Steal Vehicles
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