Recent Stolen Vehicle Cases Prompt Warning From Fairfield Police
Crime & Safety
Recent Stolen Vehicle Cases Prompt Warning From Fairfield Police Fairfield police released surveillance video of a pair of incidents involving juvenile suspects.FAIRFIELD, CT — Fairfield police are investigating multiple attempted vehicle and home burglary cases from recent months, some involving juvenile suspects, which has prompted a warning by the department for residents to be more vigilant in protecting their property.
Authorities said that in some cases, the suspects are "exploiting unlocked cars and valuables left in plain sight," and the department released surveillance video of two such attempts. The video can be seen here, .
Since Sept. 1, the department has investigated 50 thefts from vehicles and 17 stolen vehicle cases, many of which involved vehicles that were unlocked.
"These incidents emphasize the importance of taking simple precautions," said Fairfield Police Chief Robert Kalamaras in a statement. "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."
Below are descriptions of recent incidents in Fairfield, highlighting the 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 a key fob left inside the vehicle. (Video included.)
The following day, on September 2, 2024, the same suspects returned to the area, this time attempting a possible residential burglary at an occupied home on Highlawn Road. Surveillance footage from the residence's Ring doorbell camera captured one juvenile suspect attempting to open the front door, using keys stolen during the previous day's vehicle burglaries. Although the suspects did not gain entry to the primary residence, they accessed an attached shed on the property. (Video included.)
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.
Fairfield police offers the following tips to help residents safeguard their vehicles and their homes:
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," Kalamaras said. "The Department remains committed to ensuring Fairfield is a safe and secure community."
