A group of would-be car thieves in New York tried to steal what appears to be a Dodge Hellcat without even driving it. Instead, they pushed the car out of a driveway, but police arrived before they could finish the job.
The attempted theft happened on October 29 in Massapequa, a Long Island community. A neighbor spotted several people moving the car outside a home on Tidewater Avenue and quickly called 911.
Officers arrived while the group was still at the scene. Rather than stick around, the suspects ran as a police cruiser pulled up, leaving the vehicle behind.
The encounter was caught on video, giving viewers a look at how the theft attempt ended. News 12 Long Island released the footage on November 5, just days after reporting on a string of car thefts in the same neighborhood.
Caught in the Act
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The video obtained by News 12 shows several people pushing the car away from the home. Before they can get far, a police cruiser enters the frame, sending the group running.
The vehicle appears to be a Dodge Hellcat, although News 12 did not confirm its exact model in the written report. The footage also does not explain why the suspects pushed the car rather than drive it away.
According to earlier coverage, a neighbor witnessed the activity and called 911. He did not want his name made public, but his quick response brought officers to the scene before the car could be taken.
News 12 has not reported whether police later arrested any suspects. Their identities and any possible charges have not been independently confirmed.
More Trouble in Long Island
The attempted theft has heightened concerns among residents of Massapequa’s Nassau Shores neighborhood, where several similar crimes have been reported.
According to earlier reporting from News 12, police confirmed five vehicle thefts or attempted thefts south of Merrick Road during a four-month period. They also recorded eight cases of property being stolen from vehicles.
Some residents were surprised by the crimes because the neighborhood has limited access points.
“It’s actually unusual down this way because there’s only one way in and out of here,” resident Ray Malone told News 12.
Malone also described a theft across the street from his home in which someone entered a vehicle and took loose change.
The recent crimes have prompted some homeowners to change their habits. One resident told News 12 that they planned to be more careful about locking their vehicles and keeping key fobs farther from the front door.
Neighbors also reported seeing police patrol the area regularly as concerns about vehicle thefts continue.
Protecting Your Car
While the Hellcat attempt ended without the vehicle being taken, not every owner gets that lucky. Even a car parked in a driveway can attract thieves, particularly when it is valuable or easy to access.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends several ways drivers can reduce their chances of becoming victims.
One of the easiest is to lock every door and close all windows whenever leaving a vehicle unattended. That includes cars parked at home, where owners may feel more comfortable leaving them unlocked.
Never leave keys inside a vehicle, even for a quick stop. Drivers should also avoid leaving their engines running while they are away.
When available, parking in a garage can add another barrier between thieves and a vehicle. Otherwise, choose a well-lit spot so neighbors or passing drivers can notice suspicious activity.
Keeping valuable items out of sight is another important step. Bags, electronics, and other belongings can attract people looking for an easy target, even if they have no plans to steal the entire car.
Extra Layers Help
For owners of valuable vehicles, basic precautions may not feel like enough.
The National Insurance Crime Bureau recommends adding security devices such as steering wheel locks, vehicle alarms, and engine-disabling systems.
A steering wheel lock can make a vehicle harder to drive away and gives thieves a visible obstacle to deal with. An immobilizer or professionally installed kill switch can add another barrier by preventing the engine from starting.
GPS tracking devices can also help police locate a stolen vehicle. They may not prevent someone from taking it, but they can improve the chances of recovery.
Drivers who use keyless entry should also consider where they keep their key fobs. Storing them away from exterior doors and windows is a sensible precaution, especially for owners concerned about thieves using electronic equipment to target their cars.
None of these measures guarantees that a vehicle will be safe. Using several together, however, can make a theft more difficult and less appealing.
When Something Looks Wrong
The Massapequa case also shows why paying attention to unusual activity can make a difference.
Someone moving a vehicle late at night or acting strangely around a driveway may give neighbors reason to be concerned. Rather than approaching suspected thieves, residents can contact police and provide a description of what they see.
Adding security cameras and doorbell cameras may also provide useful footage if a theft occurs. Good lighting and a clear view of the driveway can help capture activity around a parked vehicle.
Owners who discover their vehicles missing should report the theft to police promptly. NHTSA recommends having the license plate number, make, model, color, and vehicle identification number ready when filing a report.
That information can also help when contacting an insurance company.
In Massapequa, the neighbor who called 911 did not need to confront the group to help stop the attempted theft. Police arrived while the suspects were still pushing the vehicle away from the Tidewater Avenue home, and the suspects fled on foot.