Car Stolen, Several Burglarized

One car was stolen and several more were burglarized during the overnight hours of Saturday Nov. 7, Darien Police report.

As of 11 a.m. Nov. 7, police have received reports of nine car burglaries from Driftway Lane, Raymond Street and Five Mile River Road. The stolen car was taken from a residence on Driftway Lane. Valuables were left inside each of the vehicles; all were unlocked. The investigation is ongoing, and police say new reports may come in as the day progresses.

Since the arrest of Frank Keller (the man charged with over seven burglaries in Darien and New Canaan), Darien Police continue to receive numerous of reports car burglaries. Police say it is doubtful that the burglaries are all pinned to a single suspect; instead, they are investigating different “sets of suspects.” Lieutenant Thomas Krois of the Darien Police Department says last night’s incident seems to fit “a different profile” and is unrelated to prior incidents.

“Our investigation so far leads us to believe these suspects are New York based,” said Krois.

During their investigation early Saturday morning, police recovered a stolen car with New York plates and registration.

“We don’t assume anything,” said Krois. “The facts look like this: bad guys come in stolen car, rob cars of valuables, ditch the old car and leave in a new stolen car.”

The car reported stolen from Driftway Lane has yet to be recovered; Officer Kathy Conlin and Officer Greg Benedetto continue the investigation.

Krois describes the large number of recent motor vehicle burglary reports in Darien as somewhat of a criminal trend.

“Stealing car radios was the crime of the 80s,” he said. “Now it’s stealing valuables.”

To date, Darien victims of car burglary have reported a number of missing valuables: GPS systems, jewelry, CDs, silver platters, loose change, food, cigarettes, iPods and—most recently—a bottle of rum.

“Please remove your valuables and lock your cars,” Krois urges Darien residents, “and report any and all suspicious activity to the Darien Police Department.”

Contact Lieutenant Tom Krois of the DPD at 203-662-5305  or tkrois@darienct.gov. In case of an emergency, call 911.

From the DPD’s website, some precaution tips:

• Always lock your doors
• Always close your windows
• Never leave your vehicle running unattended
• Park in well-lit, visible areas
• Park in your garage when possible
• Always remove your valuables or at least secure them in your trunk