MONTICELLO – Sheriff’s Deputies are battling the latest crime wave to besiege Sullivan County: larcenies from automobiles. In the last 3 months deputies have investigated 53 incidents from Livingston Manor to Rock Hill, from Smallwood to Glen Spey. All the vehicles involved had one thing in common, they were unlocked.

“The bad guys know if you enter a house and commit a burglary, you are looking at felony charges. If you take property from a car, you are only looking at a misdemeanor larceny charge unless the property is worth over $1,000 dollars”, said Undersheriff Eric Chaboty.

Thieves have stolen laptops, GPS’, cash and other valuables. They seem to strike during the hours of darkness from 8:00 PM to 6:00 AM. Thieves have also hit two dealerships in Bridgeville, where they jacked up cars and stole wheels. “With our diminished manpower, it is making it difficult to investigate all these incidents”, said the Undersheriff.

“I know the state police have had a large amount reported to them as well”. Citizens are being asked to be on the lookout for any suspicious activity in their neighborhood. “The message is clear. Lock your car doors, even in your own driveway”, said Chaboty. “It is an unfortunate sign of the times”.

Anyone with information regarding these crimes are urged to call the Sheriff’s 24 hour confidential TIPS line at 845-807-0158.