FAIRFIELD, Conn. (WFSB) – Police in Fairfield are warning residents to keep their cars locked after a recent pattern of vehicle thefts and break-ins.

Police released video of an incident in September in which two teenagers stole a key left inside a car and then returned the next day to try to enter the home using the stolen keys.

On Sept. 1, Fairfield police responded to Lovers Lane after two teenagers on a moped were seen entering unlocked cars parked in driveways.

The suspects were seen on video getting into a Range Rover where they stole a key. They fled the scene before police arrived.

The next day, the two teenagers returned and tried to enter an occupied home on Highlawn Road using the stolen keys.

“Surveillance footage from the residence’s Ring camera captured a juvenile suspect attempting to open the front door using keys stolen during the previous day’s vehicle break-in,” police said. “Although the suspects did not gain entry to the main residence, they did access an attached shed on the property.”

Police noted that one of the teenagers was involved in a shooting in another jurisdiction just days after that.

Two weeks later, that teenager was arrested with a loaded firearm.

Both suspects were eventually identified and arrested. They were charged with burglary, conspiracy to commit burglary, theft and criminal attempted burglary.

The police department has provided a list of recommendations for residents.

• Lock vehicle doors at all times, especially overnight, and remove keys, valuables and any personal information from vehicles.
• Secure all entry points into your home, including doors, windows and garages, especially at night or when you leave the property unattended.
• Consider installing doorbell cameras or other home video surveillance systems, which have proven invaluable in deterring criminal activity and assisting with investigations.

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