Police Investigate Two Thefts

From Parked Vehicles Near Churches

Police are investigating two thefts in which personal belongings were stolen from vehicles parked in church parking lots while the vehicles’ owners were attending church services.

Sometime between 9:15 and 10:30 am on Sunday, September 5, someone smashed in a window of a vehicle parked near St John’s Episcopal Church at 5 Washington Avenue, Sandy Hook, and stole personal belongings that were inside the auto, police said. More than $250 in property damage occurred. Items worth more than $250 were stolen.

Items stolen in the incident include medication, said Sergeant John Cole.

Police said a similar incident occurred at St Rose Church on Church Hill Road on Sunday, August 22, while the vehicle’s owner was attending church services.

In that incident a pocketbook was stolen, including credit cards, a cellular telephone, and identification, the sergeant said.

It is unclear if the same person committed both crimes, he said.

To prevent a view of valuables inside an auto from prompting a theft, the sergeant urges that valuables not be left in plain sight within the vehicle. Doors should be locked and windows should be kept rolled up vehicles are unattended.

Police ask anyone with information about the thefts to contact them at 426-5841. The patrol division is investigating the crimes.