Ansonia police investigate rash of car break-ins

ANSONIA, Conn. (WTNH) -- Police in Ansonia are warning residents to lock their cars and take valuables inside after a rash of break-ins.

"We've got about thirteen reports of items taken from the vehicles," said Lieutenant Andrew Cota, Ansonia Police.

Those thefts from vehicles parked in the Hilltop section of Ansonia's east side, all since Saturday.

"Taking loose change, electronics, anything of any value out of each vehicle," said Cota.

And, not for the first time.  Ansonia Police say they've seen this kind of trouble before.

"Last time we had a rash of these happening over on the east side, my officers came around a corner, they saw them, they ran off but we were able to catch a few of them," said Cota.

In this latest rash of thefts, police say the perps have had it pretty easy, finding plenty of unlocked cars just by checking door handles, and in this cold weather, they say there's another element of vulnerability.

"It is cold, people are warming up their cars," said Cota.

Then running back to finish getting ready for work, leaving their cars idling, unlocked.

"I did it this morning, even after I saw your piece on the news, about leaving it open, because it is, when it's cold out you don't like getting in that cold vehicle,"said Darren Carroll, Shelton.

When asked if he starts his car and then goes back in the house, Frank Netters from Shelton said, "yeah, I do, but I keep an eye on it, I watch out the window.  I know there's a lot of dirt balls around."

Making for an obvious, if unfortunately necessary solution.

"If you're going to warm it up, use a second set of keys.  Lock the keys in the car, then unlock it when you come back out," said Cota.

And always, no matter where you keep your car, hide valuables or take them out altogether, and lock those doors.