Police: Recent Home and Car Thefts May Have Been Prevented

Bedford police are investigating five recent car and home break-ins that officials say may have been prevented.

"The car thefts in the last week were all from unlocked cars," said Lt. Dickan, who estimates that almost 90 percent of the car thefts the department investigates are from unlocked cars. "We can deter crime just by locking cars and not leaving valuable items in plain view."

On Sept. 16, the department received reports of three car thefts in Bedford Hills with total losses of over $400:

• At 8:56 a.m., a Bedford Avenue resident reported missing a GPS device valued $200 and $30 in rolled quarters.
• At 6:51 a.m. a GPS device valued at $100 was reported missing from an unlocked car on Bedford Avenue.
• At 8:19 p.m. a Bedford Hills resident reported missing a stolen bluetooth ear piece, valued at $20, taken from an unlocked car in a driveway on South Church Street.

In addition, on Sept. 17, a burglary was reported at a Harris Road home currently on the market. A $1,000 stainless steel stove was allegedly taken from the home. On Sept. 19 at 10:30 p.m. a McLain Street resident reported a break-in that occurred at his home between 3:40 p.m. and 8:45 p.m.. Over $5,000 in jewelry is allegedly missing.

Dickan said precautions could be taken to prevent residential burglaries as well.

"Locking your house is a must," he said, even if you were going out for a short walk. "If you're going away, or your house is on the market, you could have a neighbor check your house for you," he added.