Town of New Hartford NEW YORK

   DON’T BE A CRIME VICTIM

The Town and Village of New Hartford, like communities around the country, have an ongoing problem with larcenies from parked motor vehicles.  These crimes often make up a high percentage of the total larcenies in our jurisdiction.  Left unchecked, a crime like larceny from motor vehicles can lead to larger, more serious crime and quality of life problems, which can eventually destroy a neighborhood. 

Not surprisingly, a crime analysis of larcenies from motor vehicles for the year revealed that the problem is occurring in the business areas, shopping center parking lots and on Town and Village streets during the day and in quieter residential areas during the night.  It was also noted that the owners of most of the targeted motor vehicles had left valuables in open view in the vehicle.  The most common items left in plain sight were GPS units, I Pods, packages, handbags, cell phones, luggage and loose change (even an empty GPS bracket is an invitation for a thief to break into a car).  Basically, the victims made their motor vehicles very attractive targets for thieves.  However, the most alarming fact was that many of the motor vehicles were left unlocked: in some cases, the windows were open.  Simply put, many of these crimes were not “car break-ins” at all.  The thief merely had to open the door and help himself to the valuables in the vehicle.

The New Hartford Police Department is asking the residents and visitors to our community to lock the doors on their vehicles anytime they are left unattended and to ensure that the windows are fully closed.  Also do not leave any valuables in plain sight.  If any suspicious activity or suspicious individuals are observed in the business or residential neighborhoods contact the Police department as soon as possible at 733-6666.