Police urge precautions after Mt. Kisco vehicle break-ins

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, as the old saying goes.

Police are advising Mount Kisco folks to take a few simple, commonsense precautions in order to protect themselves against opportunistic thieves.

A series of car break-ins were reported in the village in the wee hours of Sunday, Sept 13

It’s believed that the bad guys were trying to gain access to garages to search for keys or key fobs that would be used to steal high-end vehicles, police said.

Here are the tips they offered:

·       Keep vehicles locked at all times.  In many cases, would-be thieves will continue to test door handles until they find one that is unlocked.  If your vehicle is unlocked in your driveway and contains a garage door opener, it is likely that anyone entering your vehicle now has access to your garage.

·       Do not leave purses, wallets or other valuables in your vehicle.  When left in plain view, such items can make your vehicle a more appealing target.  If a purse or wallet containing your driver’s license is stolen, you can also become a victim of identity theft.

·       Do not leave vehicle or house keys in the garage.  Anyone who gains access to your garage will have access to your vehicle or your house if the keys are accessible.

·       Do not leave electronic key fobs in close proximity to doors, windows or exterior walls.  Under the right circumstances, your key fob signal can be captured without the need to enter your residence.

·       Install motion-sensing lightbulbs in exterior light fixtures.  These types of bulbs can be purchased at most hardware stores and do not require the installation of special fixtures or sensors.

·       Practice situational awareness.  If you see something suspicious, dial 911 and be prepared to provide your location along with your observations. 

Westchester County police detectives are investigating the Sept. 13 incidents.

They are asking residents or businesses who may have surveillance footage of suspicious activity during this timeframe reported, or any other information that may be relevant to the investigation, to contact the WCPD’s General Investigations Unit at (914) 241-1100.

GOOD TO KNOW

Those with questions about how to stay safe can contact the WCPD’s Patrol Services Division at (914) 241-1100 Questions can also be submitted via email to wcpdcommunityaffairs@westchestercountyny.gov.