Watch Your Car Program

A motor vehicle theft deterrent.

“Watch Your Car” is a statewide program which has been in effect for approximately five years.

The program is designed for people who don’t normally operate their vehicles between the hours of 1:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m.

Citizens may register their vehicles in the program by coming to the police department and filling out a registration form, (located at the front desk). An officer will then apply a reflective decal to the front windshield and one to the rear window. The decals are unmistakable.

When an officer observes a vehicle in operation during the hours of 1:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. with the decals affixed, the officer may assume that the vehicle is stolen.

When effectuating the stop, officers will be mindful that the rightful owner of the vehicle may be operating it under unusual circumstances.

Citizens who have registered their vehicles in the “Watch Your Car” program should follow the officer’s instructions promptly if stopped by a police officer during the designated hours. Operators should keep their hands visible to the officer and should cooperate with the officer’s investigation.

Officers should also be aware that when a citizen has registered their vehicle in the program, they have given the police permission to stop their vehicle between the designated hours to determine who is operating the vehicle.

Citizens interested in the program may contact Officer Forish at 860-645-5568 for additional information.

Decal applied to windshield.

Manchester Police Department — Manchester, Connecticut

Decal applied to back window.