Crime & Safety
Car Thefts In Suffolk County On The Rise
Suffolk Police are warning residents to lock their cars as the number of stolen cars and theft from cars reported have both gone up.
SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY — The number of reported thefts from cars in Suffolk County have increased within the first few months of 2020 compared to last year, even with the coronavirus crisis. On Wednesday, Suffolk police announced that reports of stolen cars have increased 21.3 percent and thefts from cars are up over 30 percent. The increase compares the first four months of the year compared to the same time period in 2019.
Police warn residents that many victims of car thefts have not only left cars unlocked, but also left key fobs in plain view. This allows potential car thieves to easily enter the vehicle and with the press of a button, start the engine and drive away.
"Always lock your car doors, it’s that simple," Police Commissioner Geraldine Hart said. "The increase in thefts of and from vehicles is a direct result of owners not taking the extra step to ensure their cars are secured. It can make the difference between becoming a victim or not."
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