Clarence, N.Y. (WBEN) - Erie County Sheriff John Garcia warned Friday that car thieves are focusing their attention on the Town of Clarence.
According to the Sheriff's Office, 11 vehicles were reported stolen out of Clarence between July 18 and 21. Seven of those vehicles were later found in the City of Buffalo, while three more were found in Clarence. Deputies found another vehicle that had been reported stolen out of Buffalo unoccupied on Greiner Road. One car still has not been found.
Three arrests were made in connection to one of the thefts.
Sheriff's deputies and the Buffalo Police Department worked together July 23 to track a vehicle that had been reported stolen from a home on Thompson Road on July 19.
Air 1 tracked the car to Midvale Avenue in Buffalo, where three people were seen dumping the car before entering a home on Olympic Avenue.
20-year-old Xavier Cedeno, 18-year-old David Mercado-Calderoac - both from Buffalo - and an adolescent offender were arrested and charged. They were released with appearance tickets.
Deputies also recovered four key fob cloning devices during the arrest.
“A majority of the stolen vehicle cases we handle involve unlocked vehicles with the keys left inside. The best way to protect yourself from theft is by locking your car and bringing the keys into your home,” said Sheriff Garcia.
“However, the existence of key fob cloning devices presents a new challenge in our efforts to deter this criminal activity. Residents should consider parking their vehicles in a garage whenever possible. Using a steering wheel locking device also provides a layer of protection.”
Sheriff Garcia launched Operation Key Fob earlier this month with the goal of recovering stolen vehicles and arresting the thieves. Operation Key Fob has led to the recovery of 37 vehicles and 10 arrests so far.
11 vehicles were reported stolen out of the town between July 18 and 21
11 vehicles were reported stolen out of the town between July 18 and 21
