Police: Like it, lock it, keep it

WEST HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) -- Police are warning folks in West Hartford to lock their cars.

There have been dozens of break-ins across town and many of them could have been prevented.

"The GPS was stolen," said Ned Corsey, of West Hartford.

It's happened on Walbridge, Farmington and Fern streets.

iPod, chargers, GPS," said Chuck Corsey, of West Hartford.

It's also happened on Steel, Foxcroft, and Asylem.

"iPad, iPods, laptops, anything electronic," said Sgt. Kevin McCarthy, West Hartford PD.

Thieves have been going from street to street, driveway to driveway, car to car, stealing everything from laptop computers to loose change. Forty cars alone have been hit this week, and more than 60 over the Summer. Police say all of the victims have one thing in common: they forgot to lock their car doors.

"It's a very safe neighborhood, but it is common sense that you are just asking for trouble if you don't lock your doors at night, whether it's your front door or your car door," Chuck said.

The Corsey's live on Walbridge and are talking about what happened, hoping to help others so that they won't become a victim.

"Are you surprised that thieves would steal from your car," asked News 8's Bob Wilson.

"Not really," said Ned.

"Why not," asked Wilson.

"Because we were kind of asking for it by leaving our car doors unlocked," Ned said.

News 8 did some digging, trying to find ways you can protect yourself against break-ins. The police say it has happened so often that they have launched a campaign: 'like it, lock it, keep it.' They put out a pamphlet which includes tips to keep your property safe.

"Don't leave them out for anyone to see, lock the vehicle, simply put the items in the trunk, hide them in the glove box or under the seat," said Sgt. McCarthy.

Not only have patrols been increased in the areas, but detectives are working several leads from the evidence left behind at the break-ins.

"We are going from one to the next in most cases," said Sgt. McCarthy, "and if there is something to process we are hoping to lift a fingerprint off of that."