New Canaan police report daytime spike in vehicle thefts, urge residents to lock cars

At the Town of New Canaan Police Commission meeting on Feb. 19, police detectives described an increase in daytime motor-vehicle thefts and outlined investigative and prevention measures they say have helped recover cars and develop leads.

The department reported that about 17 motor vehicles were stolen in 2023 and that 2024 saw a rise in reports. Of 38 stolen motor vehicles in 2024, officers reported recovering 21; of those 21, detectives processed 12 for trace evidence such as DNA or fingerprints and said five were recovered by other jurisdictions with arrests following. So far in 2025 the department had logged two stolen-vehicle reports, both occurring during daylight hours.

Sergeant Sposto, speaking for the detective bureau, said patrol officers immediately disseminate stolen-vehicle information via radio and enter the vehicle into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) so other agencies and license-plate-reader systems statewide can detect the plate. He described the department’s use of its Flock license-plate reader (LPR) network, convoy-analysis tools to follow plate hits, and daily coordination with neighboring jurisdictions and federal partners to track and recover vehicles.

"We rely a lot on video surveillance and the tracking systems of some of the cars," Sergeant Sposto said. "One of the biggest assets to us has been our Flock cameras. We have 10 of them as you know, we're getting more." He added that detectives sometimes recover phones or onboard computer data from vehicles and pursue search warrants when needed to develop additional leads.

Lieutenant Kevin DeFelice described limits on vehicle stops: the department follows the statewide pursuit policy, which bars pursuits for nonviolent misdemeanors and property crimes, including stolen vehicles. "The risk is too great," he said, adding that failing to pursue does not mean officers stop investigating; detectives continue post‑incident work to develop probable cause and warrants.

Detention and evidence steps were described in detail: officers process recovered vehicles for fingerprints and DNA, but evidence degradation and multiple drivers can complicate identification when a car circulates for days. Sergeant Sposto said one 2022 case was solved this past year after a DNA match was returned to investigators.

State Representative Tom O'Day, joining by Zoom, called for policy and prosecutorial changes at the state level, saying a small number of juveniles in Waterbury are paid to steal cars and that he plans to push changes including trying juveniles in locations where the crimes occur. "Lock your cars," O'Day said. "It just makes no sense. Lock your cars."

Police urged residents to prioritize safety and to be witnesses rather than interveners if a vehicle is being stolen: remove key fobs from cars, keep valuables out of sight, use garages, and consider motion lighting. Officers emphasized that suspects have been armed in some incidents and residents should not attempt to physically prevent a theft.

The department described ongoing investigative work, including an active arrest warrant and a juvenile arrest that has been referred to juvenile court. Officials said they are working with state and federal partners on leads that have extended beyond Connecticut.