Thousands In Cash, Valuables Stolen From Cars In Suburban Connecticut

DARIEN, Conn. (CBSNewYork) – Suburban police are warning customers at a Connecticut health club to safeguard their valuables and stop making the criminal job so easy.

Just a week after robbers grabbed $70,000 worth of cash and valuables from cars parked at the Darien YMCA, things are still sitting out in plain sight, waiting to be plucked, CBS2's Lou Young reported.

"I can't believe the things people leave in their cars: the Rolex watches, the wads of cash, it just doesn't make sense," Darien resident Kimberly Kennedy said.

"People don't want to bring their valuables inside the locker room in a fitness establishment, they think their valuables are more safe in their vehicles," Detective Sergeant Jeremiah Marron said.

Criminal suspects often confess to police they come to the suburbs precisely because there is plenty of money and a false sense of security where things aren't locked up, Young reported. It's a criminal routine cops are anxious to disrupt.

The lure is so strong thieves have hit one lot repeatedly even though it's under video surveillance. Police say they have good shots of the suspects but won't release them publicly yet.

In the meantime, police are cautioning that everyone at least hide the good stuff in the trunk or under a blanket and lock the car.

"From now on I promise, scout's honor. I promise, because I would be very upset if I lost it," Kerry McFarlin said.

Darien police say they are comparing notes with surrounding departments in Fairfield and Westchester counties.