Sharp Rise in Car Break-ins and Thefts

Vehicle thefts and break-ins are on the rise in Westerly.

Westerly Police Chief Shawn Lacey confirms more than a dozen vehicles have been stolen since June.  He says this is unusual as they typically don’t even see a quarter of that number stolen in a year.

“We’ve had a total of 15 stolen vehicles since June.  Traditionally, we don’t get 15 stolen vehicles in 5 years,” Chief Lacey told ABC6 News reporter Darren Botelho.

Police are also investigating more than two dozen recent vehicle break-ins.

So, who is behind this?  Chief Lacey says this is all part of a larger crime wave across southern New England involving teenagers coming from out of state.

Many of the vehicles have been found in nearby Connecticut.  “The New Haven area of Connecticut is where all the vehicles were found.  Some of them undamaged.  Some of them parked on the side of the road… we have had some that have been involved in accidents and found damaged,” Lacey said.

The best protection, Lacey says, is simple:  Make sure to lock your vehicle.