Holidays Are The Season of Opportunity For Thieves

Clarkstown Police report an increase in car break-ins this month. It can be a crime of opportunity for thieves who know people are busy buying holiday gifts and may get careless about putting personal belongings out of view in their vehicles.

Sgt. Jo Anne Fratianni said the increased number of car larcenies have occurred along Route 59 at shopping centers in West Nyack and Nanuet. Police are not saying if the incidents are related but the vehicles have all had a window smashed between 5 and 9 p.m.

“Most of these larcenies have occurred during the evening whereby the perpetrator(s) smashes a window to gain access to the vehicle,” said Fratianni. “This week larcenies have occurred in the following parking lots:  Kohl’s, Rockland Plaza, Costco, and the Palisades Mall.  Items taken have included small electronic devices and personal property such as handbags and backpacks.”

Drivers should follow crime prevention steps when parking their vehicles.

• Close windows and sunroofs completely and lock the vehicle.
• Do not leave valuables, electronic devices, or personal property visible.  If these types of items have to be left, place them out of sight in the trunk.
• Keep receipts for purchased items when the merchandise is left in the vehicle
• Park in a well lit area with pedestrian traffic and avoid dark, secluded areas.
• Use window decals that promote the vehicle has an alarm.
• Electronic devices such as GPS units, laptops, portable music players and cellular phones are popular items for theft.  Keep a record of their make, model and serial number.
• Do not hide spare keys on the vehicle; criminals know where to find them.
• Report suspicious persons in or around parked vehicles.

If your car is broken into, report it immediately to the police. Do not touch anything and wait for the police to arrive. Give police a list of the stolen items and provide the make, model and serial number if they are available. 

The Clarkstown Police Department is asking anyone who observes suspicious activity in a parking lot to report it immediately without delay.  Anyone with information should call 845-639-5800 or the TIPS line at 1-877-639-6233.