
Image from the Derby PD’s Facebook page.
The following information was distributed by Derby police Wednesday:
The Derby Police Department and surrounding towns are investigating a series of vehicle break-ins and stolen vehicles.
Police are reminding the community to protect their property to not be an “easy target.”
1. Lock your cars — both outside of your house and while outside stores: all cars entered during these incidents were left unlocked.
2. Do not leave your keys in the vehicle: All recent stolen cars were made readily available to the thieves by leaving keys inside the vehicles (this includes valet keys inside the owner’s manual in the glove box), or by being unlocked.
3. Do not leave personal belongings of value in plain sight inside the car: This includes purses, wallets, electronics, and cash. These items will only entice persons looking to commit these crimes to target your property.
Though these steps seem simple and obvious, most incidents of vehicle break-ins and vehicle thefts are crimes of opportunity being created by property owners not taking simple steps to protect their property.
The Derby Police Department and surrounding agencies have made a number of arrests in related incidents and will continue to work with all agencies to identify perpetrators and recover stolen property.
We ask the public to assist our efforts by not making yourself an easy target.
If a vehicle you own has been illegally entered, damaged or stolen or if you witness suspicious activity to include people and vehicles you do not know in and around your neighborhoods, please contact the Derby Police Department at (203) 735‑7811.