NEW LONDON, Conn. (WFSB) – New London police are giving away free pedal locks to residents as part of a new initiative to prevent car thefts in the city.
The police department purchased 90 pedal locks using American Rescue Plan money and began distributing them January 1 on a first-come, first-serve basis.
To qualify for a lock, residents must have a car registered in New London and live in the city. Each household is limited to one lock and must provide proof of residency and vehicle registration at pickup.
“Not just a visual deterrent, but it’s a safer way to secure cars,” said Police Chief Brian Wright.
About a dozen residents have already signed up for the locks, according to Wright. The chief said car thefts are becoming more common not just in New London, but across the country.
“There is an uptick. And many times, people just forget to lock their cars, and it becomes a crime of opportunity,” Wright said.
Last year, police responded to 201 stolen or recovered vehicle calls in the city and 46 car burglaries or attempted thefts.
“You have to be proactive, and more importantly, you have to come up with different ways to curb or deter an issue. So every day, we try to employ different ways to prevent this,” Wright said.
The department also purchased stop sticks with the federal funding. Officers can place the devices in front of tires during traffic stops to prevent drivers from fleeing, especially if the car is stolen.
“We had to take a proactive measure to combat car thefts and thought we’d do it in an out-of-the-box way,” Wright said.
Marcus Clack, a New London resident, said he might get one of the locks.
“Anything to prevent crime, I’m all for it,” Clack said.
Wright said more pedal locks could become available if there is additional demand and funding.
Residents must fill out an online form with the city to request a pedal lock. Police remind residents to hide valuables and lock car doors to prevent theft.
New London police are giving away free pedal locks to residents as part of a new initiative to prevent car thefts in the city.
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