FAIRFIELD, Conn. (WABC) — Fairfield police are advising residents to lock their cars following a recent increase in vehicle and property theft attempts in the area.

The ministry says this worrying trend began in September and has continued this month.

Officers responded to attempted vehicle thefts on Lovers Lane on September 1. Two suspects on a moped were seen accessing unlocked vehicles parked in residential driveways. Witnesses and security footage caught the suspects entering a Range Rover, where they stole a key fob from inside the vehicle. The suspects fled the area before police arrived, then traveled to other residences in the area in other vehicles.

Police said a day later, the same suspects returned to the area and attempted to burglarize an occupied home on Highlawn Road. Surveillance footage showed a suspect trying to open the front door using keys stolen during the crime the day before. The suspects were unable to gain entry, but broke into a shed.

On November 3, officers on patrol observed two vehicles parked with their doors open in the area of ​​Smith Street and Oldfield Road. Several individuals were seen trying to access other cars parked nearby. When the police approached, the individuals fled.

“These incidents highlight the importance of taking simple precautions,” said Fairfield Police Chief Robert Kalamaras. “Lock your vehicles, remove valuables and never leave key fobs inside. By working together, we can send a clear message that Fairfield is not a place for criminal activity.”

Police noted that one of the suspects caught on camera was involved in a shooting just days after the attempted burglary on Highlawn Road. Two weeks later, the same suspect was arrested in another city with a loaded firearm.

The two suspects in the September incidents have been identified and arrested, police said.

Fairfield police say since the Sept. 1 ordeal, they have responded to more than 48 vehicle thefts and 17 vehicle theft complaints.

ALSO READ: Confusion death leaves Staten Island family in anguish on Halloween

———-
* More Connecticut news
* Send us a news tip
* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts
* Follow us on YouTube