In view of a recent rash of motor vehicle thefts, as well as thefts of items from vehicles, police are urging residents to employ some basic deterrents to decrease the likelihood of such crimes occurring.

Since September, there have been five thefts of vehicles, as well numerous cases of thefts of items from vehicles, police said.

The vehicles stolen were a 2011 Mercedes-Benz C-300 sedan, a 2009 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck, a 2013 Kia Optima sedan, a 2013 KTM light motorcycle, and a 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL-450 SUV.

All of the vehicles that were stolen were unlocked and had their keys inside them at the time of the thefts, according to police.

Three of the five vehicles stolen have been recovered, police said. They were found in Bridgeport, Waterbury, and Hartford. There are no suspects in the vehicle thefts and no arrests have been made, police said.

Police have collected evidence from the recovered stolen vehicles and are awaiting evidence analysis from the state crime laboratory.

Also, police note that in the incidents involving the theft of items from vehicles, those vehicles were unlocked.

Motor vehicle thefts and/or thefts of items from vehicles have occurred on streets including: Pearl Street, Charles Circle, Forest Drive, Head O’ Meadow Road, Budd Drive, the Boulevard, Sealand Drive, Baldwin Road, Platts Hills Road, Hemlock Road, Taunton Hill Road, Boggs Hill Road, Schoolhouse Hill Road, and Hanover Road.

Police said they expect that many vehicular incidents have occurred that are unreported to them.

Police said that in light of the incidents, all residents should remove their keys from their vehicles, take all valuables out of their vehicles, hide any items that are left in vehicles, and keep their vehicles locked.

Town residents know their neighborhoods best. If they see something that is suspicious, residents should call police and report it immediately using the 911 telephone system for crimes or emergencies in progress; the routine police telephone number, 203-426-5841, should be used to report unusual or suspicious activity at any hour of the day.