Car break-ins on the rise

FAIRFIELD, Conn. (WTNH) --  Fairfield is just one of the towns across the state seeing an uptick in car break-ins.

Peering into car after car in downtown Fairfield, it's easy to see how easy drivers make it for thieves to break in.

"There's a pocketbook and a cell phone right on the front seat of the car," said Sgt. Sue Lussier, Fairfield PD, "so clearly visible to anyone walking by."

Nearly every car there was an easy target, with EZ passes, GPS units, phones, shopping bags, and even purses out for all to see.

"This one has a set of house keys in the center console," Sgt. Lussier said, "so if you get in the car and open the glove box then you know where they live and you have their house keys."

It takes just two seconds for someone to break into your car and access your personal information.

"That pocketbook will have a wallet, a license, credit cards, cash, social security numbers, anything," Sgt. Lussier said.

We're all guilty, at one point or another, of leaving our belongings inside the car as we run inside to do a quick errand. However, as one woman learned Friday, it only takes a matter of seconds for someone to break into your car, grab your belongings and take off.

"Not only would your car get broken into, but your wallet is in there, your driver's license, you're subject to identity theft," said Sgt. Lussier.

"I know, I know, shame on me. I'm sorry I won't do it again."

Hiding your belongings in your trunk, or under a blanket behind tinted windows will reduce your chances of getting robbed.

"I'm thinking I'm just going to grab a car key and off I go," said Karen Amaru, of Fairfield.

"Did you realize how easy you were subjecting yourself," asked News 8's Ali Reed.

"You don't think of it, you just run," Amaru said.

"So the answer is no," asked Reed.

"No, I just left it and ran," Amaru said.

"Will you do that again," asked Reed.

"Not now."