AVON — Chief Jeffrey Bukunt reports that police are actively investigating a recent increase in motor vehicle thefts and car break-ins, particularly in the Brentwood neighborhood of town.
In the early hours of Tuesday, Aug. 27, officers responded to numerous reports of stolen vehicles and car break-ins on Brentwood Avenue, McCoy Street, Oliver Street, Packard Street and Porter Street.
Three vehicles were reported stolen, one of which was recovered in Brockton. In all three cases, the vehicles were left unlocked and had either vehicle keys or fobs left inside.
Residents reported that at least seven additional vehicles, all of which were left unlocked, were entered and ransacked on the same streets.
Investigators have collected security camera video that appears to show approximately five subjects, all believed to be young males, wearing hooded sweatshirts. The suspects appeared on video to be picked up by a small white SUV at about 2:15 a.m.
Avon Police are working with police departments from surrounding towns that have also reported a recent increase in car break-ins.
“I would like to remind our residents and strongly urge them to always secure their vehicles and to avoid leaving keys, fobs and other valuables within the vehicle,” Chief Bukunt said. “Every vehicle that has been entered was left unlocked. It is imperative that residents remain vigilant in locking their vehicle doors to help prevent these crimes.”
Anyone with information or video regarding the recent car thefts and break-ins is asked to contact Avon Police at 508-583-6677. In the event of an emergency, call 911.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a motor vehicle was stolen every 31 seconds in the U.S. in 2023, totaling more than 1 million in the year.
The NHTSA and Avon Police remind vehicle owners to use common sense when parking and exiting their vehicles.
- Take your keys. Don’t leave them in your vehicle.
- Close all windows and lock all doors.
- Never leave valuables in your vehicle, and if you do, make sure they are out of sight.
- Never leave credit cards/debit cards, cash or your wallet or purse inside of your vehicle overnight.
- Park in well-lit areas or preferably inside a garage, if possible. Install lights with motion sensors near where you park your vehicle.
- Get in the routine of double-checking that your vehicle is locked and secure each night around 9 p.m. This is known as the “9 p.m. Routine.”
If your vehicle has been stolen or broken into, follow these steps:
- Call 911 to report a vehicle theft or break-in. A copy of the police report and/or a case number will be needed to provide to your insurance company.
- You may be asked to provide the license plate number, make, model and color of the car, the VIN number and any identifying characteristics.
- Contact your insurance company to file a claim within 24 hours of when you discover your vehicle was stolen or broken into.
- If you find your vehicle before authorities, contact the police immediately and then your insurance company.
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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Avon Police remind vehicle owners to use common sense when parking and exiting their vehicles. (John Guilfoil Public Relations)