File photo

There were three separate car burglaries of cars parked in the parking lot at the Wilton Family YMCA on Wednesday, Aug. 10–two break-ins that were completed and one that was attempted. Among the items stolen were two purses containing wallets, cash, cell phones, credit cards and identification documents.

Following the break-ins, Wilton Police want to remind the public that leaving valuables in any vehicle is a risk that can be avoided. They also discussed some of the likely target areas for car break-ins to occur, as well as tips to try to protect against being a victim.

The burglaries occurred between 3-3:15 p.m., during a time period right before the YMCA day camp dismissed campers. According to police, two burglaries were completed and one was attempted.

According to Capt. John Lynch of the Wilton Police Department, the three incidents happened in quick succession.

“One car was unlocked and a purse was stolen; another vehicle had the rear passenger window broken and a purse was taken. A third vehicle had what appears to be a “spider” type crack from what we believe to be an attempted break-in. The vehicle owner may have interrupted the perpetrator(s),” Lynch told GOOD Morning Wilton.

One cell phone belonging to a victim was recovered behind the Village Court Condominiums, which are located off of Grumman Hill Rd. in south Wilton. It is being held by police as the investigation continues.

Likely Targets

Lynch explained that health club facilities are often prime targets, as are similar locations.

“There are groups that travel throughout the country that especially target vehicles parked at health club facilities. They will also target day care centers and in some cases at pick-up and drop-off times, knowing the occupants may be inside picking up. There are also groups that will just drive through main roadways checking parking lots for vehicles that may contain valuables. In some cases they will start in one town and continue into other towns, hitting clubs and other parking areas [as they go],” he said.

Health club parking lots are seen has high-yield targets by criminals because patrons are more likely to secure valuables inside their vehicles as opposed to bringing them inside and trying to find a locker. Many people try to hide the items but the criminals know this. What’s more, health clubs such as the YMCA, have limited lighting and surveillance cameras in the parking lots. But, says Lynch, there have been past incidents where Wilton police have been able to use video footage to try and identify a suspect or a suspect’s vehicle.

There is no pattern in relation to frequency, but Lynch said police tend to see an increase when a group targets a particular area.

Police do have words of caution and advice for residents.

“We suggest you do not leave valuables in your vehicle, especially in plain view, and make sure the vehicle is locked. It is recommended to keep all valuables with you if possible. Parking in high pedestrian volume and well lit areas is recommended. Try not to park in dark or remote sections of the parking area,” he said.

One other common target of perpetrators is vehicle theft in residential areas during late evening and overnight hours, where thieves will check vehicles parked in driveways. Typically perpetrators prefer unlocked cars rather than having to forcibly enter a vehicle. In some cases owners leave their car keys in the vehicle, which may likely contain house keys or a garage door opener. Some of the common items police see frequently taken include GPS units, laptops, iPods,  iPhones, wallets, purses and cash or loose change.

“It is suggested that residents do not leave keys and valuables visible inside their vehicles. It is important to lock the vehicles because in most cases the criminal does not wish to make noise by breaking a window and drawing attention to themselves,” Lynch said.

The Wilton Police regularly share information with other departments, and quickly relay information between towns when thieves hit an area. Lynch added that Wilton officers patrol high-target areas as a routine looking for this type of criminal activity.

He also recommends that the public use apps like Find my Phone, which he says are very helpful during an investigation.