A string of auto-related crime has broken out recently as The Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating a series of vehicle break-ins that have occurred in the Town of Pleasant Valley and the Town of LaGrange during the overnight hours as well as some recent thefts of high-end automobiles. Although most of the vehicles targeted for break-ins have been parked in driveways unlocked, according to the Sheriff’s Office, some incidents have involved car windows being broken to steal property from inside the vehicles. Officials say all residents are reminded to lock their vehicle doors and should never leave any valuables in their vehicles such as a wallet, money, credit cards, gift cards, jewelry, electronics or firearms. If residents have motion lights or exterior camera systems, they are advised to make sure that they are functioning properly.
The high-end automobile thefts have occurred mainly in the southeastern part of Dutchess County during the late-night and early-morning
hours, and so far the perpetrators have stolen vehicles that were either unlocked with the key fobs inside and accessible or were running unattended. The thefts are thought to be part of a large organized out-of-state crime ring, and the perpetrators are to be considered armed and dangerous. The Sheriff’s Office once again says they would like to warn Dutchess County residents to always lock their vehicles, never leave valuables or the keys/fob inside, never leave the vehicle running unattended, and never confront the perpetrator(s) yourself as they should be considered armed and dangerous. If you observe a suspicious person or someone attempting to commit one of these thefts, officials advise residents to please call 911 immediately and let law enforcement handled the matter.
At this time there is no suspect description and further information may be released as it becomes available.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Detective Twaddell at 845-486-3828 or ktwaddell@dutchessny.gov. Information can also be provided via the Sheriff’s Office tip line at 845-605-CLUE (2583) or dcsotips@gmail.com, and all information will be kept confidential.