Police: 43 Car Break-Ins Reported in July

Hide your gadgets, lock your doors, pocket your change.

Safeguarding your car against a break-in could save you a broken window or a stolen iPod as police warn of a spike in reports this month: 43 in all as of July 28.

The reports have come from all over the village's 2.4-square miles, but two locations have a dozen or more break-in reports so far: 12 have been recorded at the waterfront marina lot and the nearby waterfront parking complex, and an additional 15 have been reported in the area of Putnam Avenue, Lt. James Ladeairous said.

Whether it's due to the summer heat or the economy, police are also seeing more cases where thieves are willing to break into cars for small change instead of gadgets like GPS devices and media players worth hundreds of dollars. In one of the latest cases, an employee at Edo Steakhouse on 140 Midland Ave. called police Thursday to report the passenger-side window of his 2000 BMW had been broken. The thief took only $5 in quarters, but the damage could cost the owner several hundred.

Anyone who witnesses suspicious activity in village parking lots or near parked cars can call the Port Chester Police Department at 914-939-1000. All calls will be kept confidential.

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