Thieves Seize Opportunity to Steal Cars

Editor's Note: I see many people from Oxford shopping in Naugatuck, especially for groceries, so I thought I'd pass this along. - Paul Singley

People often leave their cars running or the keys inside as they go inside for a coffee, cigarettes or to pay for gas. And local thieves are targeting those people at an alarming rate, according to the Naugatuck Police Department.

The NPD is says that there have been reports of 22 stolen vehicles in the borough over the past two months and a majority of them have been because people left their keys in the car, even if only for a minute.

"Thieves all over the Valley and Greater Waterbury are just waiting for an opportunity to take vehicles when they are left unattended," said Bryan Cammarata, Naugatuck police spokesman.

In a news release, the department gives the following advice: 

• Never leave your keys in an unattended car, even while running a quick errand, and always lock your car and pocket the keys.

• Never attach a tag with your name and address to a key ring. If the keys are lost or stolen, the tag will lead the thief directly to your car-and your home.

• Avoid leaving an automobile unattended in public parking lots for an extended period of time. A car is five times more likely to be stolen from an unattended lot than from the street or an attended lot.

• When you park the car, remove valuable possessions from the seat. These items tempt thieves and should be locked in the trunk.

• If your car is stolen, notify police immediately and have the following information ready: your license plate number and state; the vehicle make, model, color, and year; the vehicle identification number; and also provide a list of distinctive features and special accessories and their serial numbers.

The number for the Naugatuck Police Department is 203.729.5222.