Due to issues with the server at the State’s Department of Public Safety, Danbury Police Chief Patrick Ridenhour was unable to update the monthly Uniform Crime Report for the City Council's meeting last week.  The statistics will be included in next month’s report.  Council members asked if there was anything that stood out in the number to date or any notable incidents they should be aware of.  Ridenhour says the only issue Danbury still seems to be having is vehicle break ins, but he noted that in most cases the cars are  unlocked with the keys inside. 

Councilman Farley Santos says a perpetrator broke into a car that he was selling so there was nothing in it for the thieves to take.

Ridenhour called on residents to help with so-called target hardening, locking unoccupied vehicles and not leaving the keys inside cars.  Ridenhour says it will not only be harder for thieves to take items, but easier on officers on patrol to identify if the person owns that car.  If they're locked, he says it's easier to pick out a person walking car to car pulling on handles rather than someone who walks up to a car, gets in and starts it up.

Ridenhour says they've only had minimal success in cracking the crimes, though they have identified some suspects in some cases.  Danbury officers made a couple of arrests recently.  Ridenhour notes that this type of crime is happening across the state.  They think there is some connection and level of organization but they're unsure how deep it is.  Danbury Police are working with other municipal departments and state police.