Danbury is seeing an increase once again in reports of stolen motor vehicles.  Three were reported in each January and February, with 4 in March and 10 in April.  There was no May update to the City Council at their meeting this week. 

Some members questioned Police Chief Patrick Ridenhour about what is behind the trend, not only in Danbury but across the state.  Ridenhour says there are some that are doing it just for fun, but others are doing it for the money. 

Most of the cars end up in other locations in the state.  He says there's not a lot of damage being done to the vehicles because people are either leaving their keys inside, or leaving the cars unlocked.  Ridenhour notes that it's what makes car theft an easy crime and difficult to stop.  He could put an officer on every corner, but says if someone can just open the door and even drive off, they're none the wiser. 

He called on residents to target harden, creating a situation where a witness can know if someone is acting suspiciously.  He acknowledged that it's a person's property and no one else has a right to take it even if the windows are down and the keys are inside.