West Haven Police arrested three men in their 20's for attempting to steal wheels from a Honda on Savin Avenue early Thursday morning.
"Hopefully, we’re putting a dent in the spree that took place," WHPD Sgt. Dave Tammaro said of a recent rash in car thefts and break-ins, specifically targeting cars made by Honda.
Home surveillance video obtained by police shows thieves taking advantage of unlocked cars, Tammaro said.
"If the doors are locked, they’re moving on to a different vehicle," he said. "If the doors are unlocked, they’re going to go right full through and see whatever they get."
Police stress that not leaving valuables in plain sight is another tip to become less of a target.
"I have an alarm system," said Mia Kendall, who drives a Honda. "But I make sure that it looks as uninteresting as possible. There’s nothing in any of the seat compartments, nothing, it’s all hidden."
West Haven Police are reactivating a program to help Honda owners take an extra step to protect their vehicles. The department has purchased steering wheel locks designed for Honda cars made between 1994 and 2006 to give out to residents for free.
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"So basically the lock would go on like this on each arm of the steering wheel," Tammaro said, demonstrating how the locks work.
"If somebody was actually to start the car, they’re still going have to get this off to drive."
West Haven residents can stop by the police department during the day, with their vehicle registration, to pick one up.
"Any mechanical device can be defeated," Tammaro said. "It’s just another step they have to take to get it off and hopefully that buys enough time for the police officer to get there."
