Fairfield Police Warn of Recent Vehicle Thefts and Burglaries, Encourage Residents to Lock Up
FAIRFIELD, CT – In recent months, the Fairfield Police Department has observed a pattern of vehicle thefts and burglaries, often involving juveniles exploiting unlocked cars and valuables left in plain sight. To combat this trend, the Department is calling on residents to take proactive steps to secure their vehicles and property.
Recent Incidents Highlight Risks of Unsecured Vehicles:
On September 1, 2024, Fairfield Police responded to attempted vehicle thefts on Lovers Lane. During the afternoon hours, two juveniles on a moped were observed accessing unlocked vehicles parked in residential driveways. The suspects, who fled the area before police arrived, were seen by witnesses and security footage entering a Range Rover in a driveway, where they stole aa key fob left inside the vehicle. The juveniles then traveled to other homes in the area, entering additional vehicles. (Please note: The attached video is from Highlawn Road.)
Adding to the seriousness of this incident, it was later discovered that one of the juveniles captured on video was involved in a shooting incident in another jurisdiction just days after the attempted burglary on Highlawn Road. Two weeks later, this same juvenile was arrested in another town with a loaded firearm. Both juvenile suspects from the September 1 and September 2 incidents were identified and subsequently arrested. Charges related to these incidents include Burglary in the 3rd Degree, Conspiracy to Commit Burglary in the 3rd Degree, Larceny in the 6th Degree, Criminal Attempt at Burglary in the 1st Degree, and Conspiracy to Commit Burglary in the 1st Degree.
In another recent event on November 3, 2024, at approximately 5:05 AM, officers on patrol observed two vehicles parked with doors open in the area of Smith Street and Oldfield Road. Multiple individuals were seen attempting to access other parked vehicles nearby. As the suspects noticed the patrol vehicle approaching, they quickly returned to their cars and fled the scene at high speed.
One of the fleeing vehicles, a black 2015 Acura, was pursued by officers. During the pursuit, officers successfully deployed a tire deflation device on the I-95 northbound on-ramp off North Benson Road, which disabled the vehicle. The driver, identified as a 17-year-old male from New Haven, abandoned the car and attempted to escape on foot. Officers apprehended him after a brief foot chase. The juvenile was found to have an active Take Into Custody order for previous offenses and now faces multiple charges, including Larceny of a Motor Vehicle, Criminal Attempt at Burglary in the Third Degree, Interfering with an Officer, Evading Responsibility, and Reckless Driving.
The investigation revealed that the group had planned to exploit unsecured vehicles in the area, taking advantage of valuables left in plain sight. The apprehended juvenile confirmed that the group had targeted Fairfield as an opportunity for easy access to unlocked cars. An unknown number of additional suspects fled and have yet to be located, but preliminary information suggests that they may also be juveniles.
Multiple Recent Incidents Prompt Call for Vigilance
Since September 1, 2024, Fairfield Police have responded to over 48 thefts from motor vehicles and 17 stolen vehicle complaints. Unlocked vehicles have proven to be easy targets for criminals, which can lead to increasingly dangerous situations.
“These incidents emphasize the importance of taking simple precautions,” said Chief Robert Kalamaras. “Lock your vehicles, remove valuables, and never leave key fobs inside. Working together, we can send a clear message that Fairfield is not a place for criminal activity.”
Secure Your Vehicles, Protect Your Home, Protect Your Neighborhood
The Fairfield Police Department encourages all residents to take these essential steps to safeguard both their vehicles and homes:
- Lock vehicle doors at all times, particularly overnight, and remove keys, valuables, and any personal information from vehicles.
- Secure all entry points to your home, including doors, windows, and garages, especially at night or when leaving the property unattended.
- Consider installing doorbell cameras or other home video surveillance systems, which have proven invaluable in deterring criminal activity and assisting in investigations.
Video footage from doorbell and home security cameras has been instrumental in recent cases, providing vital evidence that has helped identify suspects and uncover patterns in criminal activity. These systems not only enhance home security but also contribute to the overall safety of the neighborhood by allowing residents to monitor and share critical information with law enforcement when needed.
The Fairfield Police Department reminds everyone that by working together and taking preventive steps, residents can help reduce crime in our neighborhoods. The Department remains committed to ensuring Fairfield is a safe and secure community.