Since June, there have been a higher than usual number of vehicles stolen in Darien — a total of 18 as of four days ago, Darien police announced.
In response, police are suggesting various tips, at least one of which is probably new to you.
Along with the car thefts, numerous vehicles have been entered, often with thefts of things inside, police said. (A long list of the incidents since July 25 is at the bottom of this article.)
In almost all cases, keys had been left inside the vehicle, police said, adding, “it is important to note” that stolen vehicles are often used in serious crimes in other cities and towns across the state.
Obvious and Not-so-Obvious Tips for Protecting Your Property
Darien police recommend that drivers adopt these habits to foil car thieves:
Although you’ve probably heard these before …
• Always remove keys from your vehicles (inlcuding valet keys)
• Remove any valuables, especially purses, wallets or anything visible
• Always lock your vehicle
• Never leave your vehicle unattended while it’s running
… you may not have heard of this one …
• Be alert to any activity near your vehicle when entering or exiting
… and this sounds new:
• The aware of the “9 p.m. key routine” (designate a time each night to lock your car)
Two Innovative Fixes to Foil Innovative Thieves
Although the vast majority of vehicle thefts are from unlocked cars with keys left inside, this Channel 2 CBS New York report from 2022 notes that even key fobs left in your house, especially near the door, can be remotely accessed by thieves who use them to unlock the car doors.
“Automakers were already adding more “layers of key-fob verification,” to the newest models when the 2022 report was broadcast.
If you want to take an extra step to avoid key fob related theft, the report recommends one or the other of these two simple fixes:
“Store the fob as far away as possible from the car and away from glass doors and windows. Or, buy an inexpensive RF-blocking box or pouch. It’s lined with metal and will interrupt the signal.”
Here’s how cheap they can be.
Recent Darien Vehicle Entries, Thefts, Burglaries
Thursday, July 25 — One Vehicle Stolen
— At about 4:12 p.m., officers were dispatched to The Country Club of Darien (300 Mansfield Ave.). The victim reported his 2021 Silver Porsche Cayenne S Coupe was stolen from the parking lot after he left it unlocked with the keys inside.
Saturday, July 27 — Six Vehicles Stolen, Four Others Entered
— At 6:04 a.m., officers were dispatched to Long Neck Point Road in response to reports of people in suspicious vehicles possibly stealing packages.Police found a 2022 Land Rover that had been stolen from Goodwives River Road was at Pear Tree Point Beach.
— At 6:45 a.m., while investigating a suspicious person call, officers were told that a 2021 Land Rover was stolen from Pear Tree Point Road sometime overnight.
— At 7:39 a.m., officers responded to Rebel Lane for a report of a 2021 Audi Q5 stolen overnight.
— At 9:13 a.m., officers responded to Pembroke Road for a report of a 2021 BMW X5 stolen overnight.
— At 1:13 p.m., officers responded to Driftway Lane where the complainant reported that three vehicles were entered, with items stolen.
— At 4:22 p.m., the victim reported her 2024 Land Rover stolen from Hollow Tree Ridge Road, with the keys left inside. She also reported items missing from her other vehicle. (Police didn’t specify which area of the road, the longest in Darien, where the vehicle was stolen.)
— At 5:02 p.m., the victim reported his 2020 Audi S7 was stolen from Wee Burn Country Club (410 Hollow Tree Ridge Road).
Wednesday, July 31 — Item Stolen from a Vehicle
A checkbook was stolen from a Kia Sportage on Musket Lane.