Cops: Five unlocked cars with key fobs inside stolen in Hauppauge

Suffolk police are increasing patrols in Hauppauge and St. James after thefts of a dozen cars parked outside homes in the hamlets Thursday and Friday, all unlocked and with key fobs inside, authorities said.

In St. James on Friday, seven cars were stolen at residences on Bayberry Drive, Washington Avenue, Seventh Avenue and Fifth Street, police said in a news release. All were recovered, police said.

On Thursday in nearby Hauppauge, five cars were stolen between 4:30 and 5:30 a.m. at residences on Bezel Lane, Maureen Drive, Sandra Drive and Steven Place, according to police. Three cars had been recovered, police said a news conference Friday at Suffolk police headquarters in Yaphank.

"These are crimes of opportunities," Gerard Hardy, Suffolk police chief of patrol, said.

People should lock doors after exiting their car, taking their key fob with them and not leave valuable items inside, Hardy said.

Suffolk police Deputy Insp. David Doherty said they are looking for "two to three" individuals.

Police did not reveal the makes and models of the cars.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 800-220-TIPS.

Vehicle thefts declined in Suffolk and Nassau county in 2021. Police in both counties have previously said people who leave doors unlocked and key fobs inside have contributed to thefts.

In 2021, vehicle theft was down 6.2% in Suffolk, then-Acting Police Commissioner Risco Mention-Lewis said.

Nassau Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder said vehicle thefts were down 7.1% in Nassau last year.

With Steve Pfost