In light of a recent increase in motor vehicle thefts, both in Newtown and elsewhere in the state, Police Chief James Viadero is offering some advice to residents.

"Generally, the vehicles are being stolen by juveniles. They will 'joy ride' in the vehicles," the chief said.

"An alarming pattern has begun to emerge in urban areas where the vehicles are used in violent crimes. The vehicles have been frequently recovered in Waterbury. Numerous arrests have been made, but due to the juvenile laws, there are little or no consequences, and the thieves are aware of it," the police chief said.

"Social media is being used to showcase these thefts by the perpetrators, and it's almost a competition," Chief Viadero observed.

One of the biggest issues facing police, besides the juvenile laws, is the habit of some vehicle owners of leaving their unattended vehicles unlocked and sometimes leaving the keys inside those vehicles , he said.

Fairfield County police chiefs met on June 19 to discuss the auto theft issue and are formulating a plan to combat it via numerous fronts, Chief Viadero said.

"We were all in agreement that the lack of sanctions and consequences on juvenile offenders is frustrating law enforcement efforts," he said.

"A concern for law enforcement is that these events may turn violent... Recent incidents in which arrests were made resulted in firearms being recovered. Additionally, law enforcement has to balance the imminent threat against society and the benefit of pursuing stolen vehicles when they are observed while on patrol," Chief Viadero said.

"The (stolen) vehicles are not stripped or 'parted out.' Generally, they are located intact, but with considerable damage. The thieves have been targeting high-priced foreign vehicles, but are opportunistic and will take whatever is [unlocked] and has a [key] fob inside," he said.

"A pattern that has emerged is the perpetrators target neighborhoods adjacent to busy interstate [highways] and parkways," he said.

The thieves drive into neighborhoods during the early morning hours and then try opening doors to vehicles. If the vehicles are unlocked, they press the ignition button. If it starts, it is driven away, the chief said.

In some cases, unlocked vehicles are entered and personal property is stolen. Vehicles that are locked typically are not forcibly entered.

The chief offered some basic tips:

*Lock your cars. Do not make yourself an easy target.

*Lighting in dark areas is a deterrent.

*Video camera surveillance aids law enforcement.

*Do not confront suspects. Call 911 in the event of a problem.

At least four vehicles were stolen from residential properties in Newtown this month during the overnight hours. The vehicles were stolen from the Butternut Ridge and Old Farm Hill Road/Horseshoe Ridge Road neighborhoods.