By Richard Kaufman
Sentinel Reporter
The Greenwich Police Department released updates on two pressing issues that have been plaguing the town recently, as well as a notice about Halloween.
Motor Vehicle Thefts
Vehicle thefts have been a problem in town for quite some time, as residents consistently leave their cars unlocked with the keys inside.
Since January, there have been over 100 reported thefts of unlocked cars with the keys inside in Greenwich. No vehicles have been reported stolen that had the keys removed and door locked.
Cpt. Mark Zuccerella of the GPD said there are three separate groups that routinely come into Greenwich to steal cars during the midnight and early morning hours.
“The largest of these cohorts are juveniles from other cities in Connecticut. We have had success in disrupting their activities, however it is a constant concern,” Zuccerella said.
The tri-state area is also being targeted by car theft crews out of New Jersey, Zuccerella added. “Their activity is very similar to the juveniles in that they will respond to a random area of Town and look for high end model SUVs to steal. The fact the home has a long driveway, is set back off the road, or even has a gate is not a deterrent.”
The last cohort is out of the New York metropolitan area which has been targeting dealerships at night, and in the past, train stations during the day.
“Our patrol strategy has been partially successful in disrupting their activity. However, with the overabundance of unlocked vehicles coupled with the current laws failing to hold juveniles accountable for their acts, the task grows more difficult,” Zuccerella said.
The GPD is continuing to urge homeowners to remove their keys/fob and other valuables from their vehicle and lock their car doors, even when parked on their property.
“The thieves do not care about property rights, walls, or gates. If you are a dealership or commercial entity that has vehicles as an inventory or for repair, please lock the keys for the vehicles in a secure area within the building away from any doors that can provide easy access,” Zuccerella said.
If you see or suspect someone is in an area stealing vehicles, do not approach them. Contact 911 immediately.
Political Signs & Election Day
Since the end of last week, GPD has been receiving complaints of theft of political signs, and the department announced earlier this week that they were investigating the matter.
“We currently have one open investigation and have made an arrest in another different case. There was a third case we investigated that led to juveniles being responsible,” Zuccerella said, noting that all political signs on public property need to be removed after Election Day.
“As for the election, our goal is to secure every person’s right to vote safely and without fear. We have been in close communication with election officials and other law enforcement entities to learn of any plans to impede voters, and our goal is to respond to those swiftly if they occur,” Zuccerella said.
“We are mindful of not unnecessarily positioning ourselves at the entrance to a polling place, where people sign in to vote, at the balloting location, or any other place that may inadvertently lead people to believe we are there to influence the act of voting or to monitor the process in an inappropriate way. We are committed to a safe and orderly Election Day, where everyone eligible to vote can cast a ballot. We are here to ensure your safety on Election Day.”
To look up your polling place, click here.
Halloween 2020
The GPD is requesting that families around town plan alternate ways to celebrate Halloween due to the ongoing pandemic and safety concerns.
Some alternate ways recommended by the Center for Disease Control are giving treats outdoors, avoiding direct contact with trick-or-treaters, and individually bagging the treats for the trick-or-treaters to take.
Many trick-or-treaters have a mask; however, a costume mask is not a substitute for a cloth mask. Consider making your cloth mask part of the Halloween costume
Other activities can include decorating pumpkins at home with family or neighbors outside, or walking from house to house admiring Halloween decorations.
Remember that it is not safe to host large indoor Halloween-themed parties where physical distance can’t be maintained. Indoor parties cannot exceed 25 people, and outside parties cannot exceed 150 people. Hosting and attending a party that doesn’t adhere to the Governor’s Executive Orders can result in fines.
“Whatever you and your family decide, please remember during trick-or-treating to always to wear a cloth mask, indoors and outdoors, stay at least 6 feet away from others who do not live with you, and wash your hands or use hand sanitizer frequently,” Zuccerella said. “We will be out as usual on Halloween night serving the community.”
For more information regarding Halloween and COVID-19 please visit the following websites:
