HAUPPAUGE, N.Y. (WCBS 880) — Police are warning residents on Long Island about a rash of car thefts involving unlocked vehicles with key fobs inside.
Suffolk County Police Commissioner Rodney Harrison on Friday disclosed that a total of 12 vehicles had been stolen from the Hauppauge and St. James area in a 48-hour span.
Five vehicles were taken from outside homes on Bezel Lane, Sandra Drive, Steven Place and Maureen Drive in Hauppauge between 4:30 a.m. and 5:30 a.m. Thursday.
Items were also stolen from vehicles in the area during three other incidents overnight.
Police said all of the vehicles were unlocked with key fobs inside.
Ten of the 12 stolen vehicles have been recovered by police.
Suffolk County Deputy Inspector David Dougherty said thieves are going driveway to driveway, trying door handles to see if the vehicles are unlocked.
"When they find an open door they either steal items from inside the vehicle or if a key fob has been left inside they take the vehicle itself," Dougherty said.
Chief of Patrol Gerard Hardy is urging residents to stay vigilant and take the proper precautions to avoid becoming a victim.
"These are crimes of opportunity," Hardy said. "These are crimes that we can eradicate by simply taking necessary precautions, which is very simple. I would encourage everyone in the community to lock their car doors upon exiting the car and very important is to take any key fobs, or valuables — electronics, cash, purse, wallets — out of the cars."
Hardy also encourages residents to look out for each other.
"Be a good neighbor, look for suspicious people or cars and report that to 911," Hardy said.
Commissioner Harrison is enhancing police patrols in the area.
"Our detectives are working around the clock to find the individuals responsible," Harrison said.
Detectives are working to determine whether the cases are connected.
Anyone with information is asked to call Fourth Squad Detectives or call anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS.
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