Cops: Car Break-ins on The Rise in Glen Cove

Glen Cove and its surrounding communities, including Glen head and Sea Cliff, are experiencing a "large rise" in car break-ins, authorities said. 

Glen Cove has seen 11 of these incidents in June alone. Sea Cliff experienced eight on the evening of June 26. 

In each of the incidents reported in Glen Cove, the cars  shared one thing in common – every car was left unlocked, police said.

There are preventative steps that every car owner can do to minimize this type of theft.  

“Most of these crimes are crimes of opportunity” that can be prevented by taking some preventative steps, said Detective Lieutenant John Nagle. 

Police say the most important measure to prevent theft is to lock car doors. Don’t leave valuable in your vehicle, especially when they can be seen from outside the vehicle. Anyone leaving valuables – including GPS systems, cell phones, MP3 players, briefcases, gym bags, and money – is inviting a thief to break into your car, police said.

By night, police recommend parking under a street lamp for those without access to driveways. And if possible, install motion lights, which police say are an effective tool for homeowners to deter would-be thieves.

If a street light is out on your block call the Glen Cove Mayor’s Office at  676-2004 so that the city can repair it quickly.  

If you see something unusual in your neighborhood call the police (676-1000). Anonymous tips can be made to the Glen Cove Police Department at tips@cityofglencoveny.org