BREAKING: Police are now routinely taking items out of unlocked cars to ‘protect’ citizens from theft

Police in New Haven, Connecticut, will respond to a myriad of automobile break-ins by stealing residents’ belongings from unlocked vehicles before thieves can get to them, according to the New Haven Register.

New Haven police are calling their thefts an act of “tough love.”

Police officers will begin scouring vehicles in the East Rock neighborhood of New Haven and will confiscate valuables from unlocked cars in an attempt to teach residents a lesson about making themselves vulnerable to theft.

Lt. Herbert Sharp, who is also the manager for East Rock, told the media that the act of police stealing items that tempt thieves from unlocked cars is one of six “exceptions” in the Connecticut law that exempts authorities from abiding by the Fourth Amendment, which protects Americans from illegal search and seizures.

The Fourth Amendment protects:

“The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.”

Ironically, police have coined the operation “caretaker,” which will begin in December and last through January, unless residents approve, in which case it may be extended. However, that is unlikely.

Stay tuned as we continue covering this breaking story.

Sources:

NHRegister.com

Law.Cornell.edu