In 2025, Westport Police recorded 57 stolen vehicles.
That’s more than one a week.
And that’s only part of the story. It does not include attempted thefts.
“06880” learned of 3 in the past week. One woman was surprised in her garage, as she was unloading groceries; the masked person ran away.
The same woman was followed again, a few days later. Again, he did not follow through.
In the third case, a man entered an unlocked vehicle in a parking lot. He did not realize a teenager sat in the back. The boy yelled; the attempted thief skedaddled.
Not a photo of the attempted parking lot theft. But it’s close.
The number of thefts — and attempts, like pulling on car and garage doors — has skyrocketed since COVID, says Westport Police Lieutenant Anthony Prezioso.
Despite those numbers, he says, “don’t try to take things into your own hands.” Losing a car is less dangerous than risking a confrontation.
Instead, Prezioso advises, “lock your car in your driveway. Better yet, pull it into your garage, and close the garage door behind you. Take your key fob with you.”
(He notes that on many vehicles, side mirrors folded out indicates a key is inside.)
Also: Stay with your vehicle when you pump gas. And don’t leave the car running, when you run in for snacks. Lock it, and take the key!
Car thieves can quickly jump into an unattended vehicle.
If you think you’re being followed, don’t go home. Call 911 — and/or drive to the police station.
While thieves targe no specific make or model — they are more “crimes of random opportunity” — most stolen cars are “high-end.” Plenty, of many types, are available in Westport.
Prezioso also advises, “Be the best witness you can.” Try to get good descriptions of the thieves, and of any cars lurking nearby — with their license plates, if possible.
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