In a series of unsettling incidents, residents of Mattituck, New York, have reported suspicious activity around their vehicles, raising concerns about the safety of their neighborhoods. The Southold Police Department has been actively investigating these cases, shedding light on the troubling trend of car break-ins and theft that has plagued the community.

Uncovering the Nighttime Prowlers: A Closer Look at Mattituck's Car Break-In Saga

Caught on Camera: Masked Intruders Targeting Vehicles

On October 31st, a resident of Stanley Road in Mattituck reported witnessing suspicious activity on his Ring camera. The footage revealed two masked individuals, one wearing a white hooded sweatshirt and the other in a black hooded sweatshirt, attempting to gain access to multiple cars on the property. The Southold Police Department responded promptly, canvassing the area with a K-9 unit, but the suspects managed to evade capture.This incident highlights the brazen nature of the perpetrators and the need for heightened vigilance within the community. The use of surveillance technology, such as the resident's Ring camera, has proven invaluable in providing crucial evidence and aiding the investigation. However, the ability of the suspects to elude law enforcement underscores the challenges faced by the police in apprehending these elusive nighttime prowlers.

Unlocked Cars: An Open Invitation for Thieves

In a separate incident on the same day, a Peconic man reported to the police that his unlocked car had been rummaged through, and two pocket knives had gone missing. The victim, a resident of Indian Neck Lane, was directed to forward any available surveillance footage to the Southold detectives, who are actively pursuing leads in this case.The prevalence of unlocked vehicles in the area has undoubtedly contributed to the ease with which these criminals can target unsuspecting residents. The loss of personal belongings, such as the pocket knives in this instance, highlights the tangible impact these break-ins can have on the victims. The police's request for surveillance footage underscores the importance of community cooperation in aiding the investigation and potentially identifying the perpetrators.

Trunk Tampering: A Troubling Trend

Another Indian Neck Lane resident reported a similar incident on the same day, this time involving the trunk of a sister's unlocked car. According to the police report, the trunk was found open in the driveway, and $60 was reported missing from an envelope inside. Unfortunately, no surveillance video was available to assist the investigation in this case.The targeting of unlocked vehicles, both inside and out, demonstrates the brazen nature of these criminals. The fact that they are willing to rummage through trunks and steal cash from personal belongings suggests a level of audacity that is deeply concerning for the community. The lack of surveillance footage in this instance highlights the need for residents to be proactive in securing their vehicles and investing in security measures to deter such criminal activity.

Wallet Theft Accusation: A Cautionary Tale

On November 1st, a 20-year-old Greenport man reported to the police that he had found a wallet belonging to another Greenport resident and returned it to the owner. However, the wallet owner then accused the man of stealing $900 from the wallet. In an effort to avoid further confrontation, the 20-year-old handed over $800 to the wallet owner. The man who found the wallet wanted the police to document the incident.This case underscores the complex nature of these types of incidents and the potential for misunderstandings and false accusations. While the 20-year-old's actions in returning the wallet were commendable, the subsequent accusation and demand for money highlight the need for clear communication and a thorough investigation by the authorities. The documentation of this incident by the police serves as an important record and may prove valuable in the event of any further legal proceedings.

Accidental 911 Call: A Misunderstanding Resolved

On November 2nd, the Southold Police Department received a 911 call in which they could hear two men engaged in a verbal dispute. The call was traced to a residence on Main Road in Southold, where the owner stated that he had been arguing with his boss about his mother's well-being. The boss had insisted that the man could call the police to intervene with his mother if necessary. In an interview with the police, the man explained that he believes an activated Apple Siri feature had automatically dialed 911, leading to the accidental call.This incident serves as a reminder of the potential for technology to inadvertently trigger emergency responses, even in situations that do not warrant police intervention. The quick response and investigation by the Southold Police Department, coupled with the man's explanation, helped to resolve the misunderstanding and prevent any further escalation of the situation.The series of incidents reported in Mattituck and the surrounding areas have undoubtedly caused concern and unease among residents. The Southold Police Department's diligent efforts to investigate these cases and provide transparency through the release of these reports are commendable. As the community continues to grapple with the challenges posed by these nighttime prowlers, it is crucial that residents remain vigilant, secure their vehicles, and cooperate with law enforcement to help safeguard their neighborhoods.