Police in the Hudson Valley urge residents to lock their cars amid rise in break-ins

Authorities note that these types of crimes tend to rise during the warmer weather months.

News 12 Staff

May 30, 2024, 10:54 AM

Updated 210 days ago

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Police across the Hudson Valley are urging residents to lock their cars as break-ins are increasing throughout the region.
Authorities note that these types of crimes tend to rise during the warmer weather months. Recent surveillance footage from the Wakefield Park neighborhood in Yonkers shows a man attempting to open car doors along several blocks. A resident, who wished to remain anonymous, reported witnessing the individual trying to open every car door on the street.
The problem isn't confined to larger cities like Yonkers. Additional surveillance video captured a man looking for unlocked car doors in the Milton Point section of Rye early Tuesday morning. Unfortunately, he succeeded in finding one.
Police warn that thieves are searching for anything of value, especially key fobs, which can be reprogrammed to steal other vehicles. This issue extends to Scarsdale, where police reported two incidents this week of cars being entered and items stolen.
"With all but one that I recall in the last four years, it's all unlocked vehicles. It's region-wide, it's area-wide in lower Westchester, across the line in Connecticut," said Detective Lt. Brendan Kellaher of the Scarsdale Police Department.
While car thefts in the area were down earlier this year, they are on the rise again. Police emphasize the importance of locking car doors and not leaving valuables inside.