Pelham Police Investigate Rash of Car Break-Ins, Advise Residents to Lock Car Doors at Night

Pelham police Chief Joseph Benefico is advising residents to make sure they keep their cars door locked in light of the numerous car break-ins that have taken place this month.

Benefico said the village has been hit by about a dozen vehicle break-ins in the past two weeks. The incidents have taking place all over the village.

“People are leaving their cars unlocked and the thieves are taking whatever electronics they can get their hands on—cash, change, electronics,” Benefico said. “They’re pretty much looking to make a quick buck.”

Police arrested Keita Speed, 43, in April after he was allegedly caught in the act of breaking into a vehicle. Police believed Speed committed a number of car break-ins that took place in the Town of Pelham in March.

Speed is currently in Westchester County Jail and is scheduled to appear in New Rochelle City Court Friday for second-degree auto stripping, a felony.

Benefico believes some of the recent car break-ins may have been committed by the same person. Anyone with information on the crimes can contact police at (914) 738-2000.