Residents ask Mount Kisco to add patrols, prevent theft from cars

By MARTIN WILBUR

A representative of a Mount Kisco condominium complex asked the Village Board this week for increased police patrols along Route 172 to close gaps in coverage after several vehicles were recently entered and had items stolen.

Roger Nadel, president of the Mount Kisco Chase Homeowners Association, said he and his fellow residents are grateful for increased patrols following the series of incidents last month. But with easy getaway access to nearby Interstate 684 and the complex located near the Bedford border, thieves have exploited an apparent void in police presence.

“Policing in our neighborhood should not be feast or famine,” Nadel told the board at its Sept. 28 meeting. “We appreciate the increased presence after an incident but officers need to be present consistently before something happens. That presence can help reduce crime and reassure residents.”

Nadel also asked whether the police could install a surveillance camera in the vicinity of Route 172 and McLain Street near the development in hopes of capturing images of vehicles involved in any future incidents.

At least three incidents

There were at least three vehicles that were entered and had money or other property stolen from their interiors on the morning of Sept. 13, police reported. 

Mayor J. Michael Cindrich said that the cameras that have been installed by the Westchester County Department of Public Safety are placed at what have been determined to be strategic locations, and they have helped solve significant crimes in the community. 

However, in this instance, he said that the subjects involved in the thefts had changed license plates at some point. Police had also reported that a car used in the incidents was reported stolen in New Jersey and found unoccupied in Newark. And all of the vehicles that had been entered were unlocked.

“They’ve become so sophisticated that they will steal a plate — they will steal a car first — then they go ahead and steal a plate from a car that is almost identical and use that plate,” Cindrich said. “So, in this particular incident, I’m not sure what a camera would have done.”

An advisory sent out by the Department of Public Safety following last month’s incidents urged vehicle owners to always lock their cars, take the key or key fob and leave nothing that appears valuable that can be visible from the outside.

A bigger role for county cops

Another village resident, Kim Terlizzi, called on the village to appeal to county police to have a greater presence throughout the village. 

Too often, she said she sees officers and their vehicles lined up at the police precinct rather than on patrol. Other times there are officers at the Metro-North station when trains come in after dark. She questioned whether the county police are now worth the investment.

“We’ve got a problem. We’ve got a big problem,” Terlizzi said. “I don’t know why you can’t get them to do their jobs and leave the station. We have break-ins, attempted break-ins all over the village. Something has to be done. We’re being fleeced for over $8 million by this police department that we’re stuck with.”

After hearing the points raised by Nadel, Trustee Tom Luzio said this will be one of the issues that officials will bring up at their next quarterly meeting with the county.

Nadel pleaded for action to protect residents, many of whom are now jittery at the Mount Kisco Chase.

“Multiple attempted break-ins have left residents concerned about the safety of their homes and families,” he said.