Repeat Offender Sentenced for Stealing from Car in Town of Union

An Endicott man will spend 1-and-a-half to three years in New York State Prison as a Second Felony Offender because of a minor car break-in.

38-year-old Nicholas Maloney pleaded guilty to Grand Larceny for stealing credit cards out of an unlocked vehicle in the Town of Union.

According to a news release from the Broome County District Attorney’s office, Maloney had a previous conviction for second degree robbery dating back from 2013.

District Attorney Michael Korchak says “no crime is minor when you are the victim,” referring to the thefts of items out of an unlocked car.  Korchak says “Quality of Life” crimes are not ignored by law enforcement even though they are not considered as serious as other incidents.

While Maloney was apprehended for the theft of the credit cards on December 13, 2021, many times so-called “vehicle larcenies” go by without an arrest.

Law Enforcement officials remind residents to always lock their vehicles, even on what they may perceive to be “safe” residential streets and at all hours, including during the day.

You should never leave anything valuable in a vehicle, whether it is locked or unlocked and especially do not leave anything of value in plain view.

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Also, an on-going program online by the Vestal Police Department uses amusing memes to urge everyone to get into the 9 p.m. routine and lock up not only vehicles but also homes at night.  Residents are encouraged to check doors and windows in their homes, vehicle and outbuildings at nine every night to make sure all locations are secure and safe from criminals.

Crime Prevention Experts add it’s not a bad idea to keep doors locked even during daylight hours and make sure, if you are busy in the back of your home, your front door and windows are secure.