Bandits have field day in Fairfield

Fairfield, Conn. (WTNH) - Bandits are on the prowl looking for a score and police say they're having a field day in at least one part of the state.

Several businesses in downtown Fairfield have been affected by recent break-ins. They've had thousands of dollars worth of equipment stolen out of their company vans and personal vehicles. They say it all occurred in the overnight hours.

The suspect or suspects broke into the vehicles outside of Westfair TV on Post Road, between 1 and 4 a.m. Monday.

"It was done quickly so I imagine it was more than one person," said business owner Glenn Levinson.

Expensive tools and wiring were stolen, along with dashboard radios and other pricey items.

"I think when anyone gets broken into, any possessions, it's a personal thing," said Levinson, "you take it personally."

Fairfield police say in just the past two weeks car break-ins on Post Road have spiked. Laptops and other valuable items are being snatched from inside. Police say what worries them the most is what information the thieves are getting from the items they're stealing.

"If they get papers out of a glove box or interior of car they could have access to identity theft," said Sgt. Suzanne Lussier, "and use that as another form of crime."

If stolen, some items, like a navigation device or garage opener, can lead suspects to the car owner's home where a potentially more serious crime could be committed.

"If they get into your car and steal the remote control to the garage it's important to change the code on your garage, so they can't come back in a few weeks or months time and get access into your home," said Sgt. Lussier.

One way police say you can protect yourself is to not enter your actual address into your GPS, instead enter an address a block or two away.