07/31/2026
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🚨 Erie County Sheriff's Office Reports Spike in Vehicle Thefts in Clarence
CLARENCE, N.Y. – The Erie County Sheriff's Office is warning residents after a noticeable increase in vehicle thefts in the Town of Clarence earlier this month.
According to Sheriff John C. Garcia, deputies investigated 12 separate vehicle theft-related incidents over a four-day period between July 18 and July 21. Eleven vehicles were reported stolen from Clarence during that time. Seven were later recovered in the City of Buffalo, three were recovered in Clarence, and one vehicle remains missing. Deputies also recovered an additional stolen vehicle on Greiner Road that had been reported stolen from Buffalo.
The Sheriff's Office also announced the arrest of three individuals in connection with one of the thefts. On July 23, deputies working alongside the Buffalo Police Department during Operation Key Fob located a vehicle stolen from a Thompson Road residence. Air 1 tracked the vehicle to Buffalo, where three suspects were taken into custody without incident.
Those charged include:
• Xavier Cedeno, 20, of Buffalo
• David Mercado-Calderoa, 18, of Buffalo
• One adolescent offender
The suspects were charged with Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the Fourth Degree, Possession of Burglar's Tools, and Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle in the Third Degree. They were issued appearance tickets in accordance with New York State law. Investigators also recovered four key fob cloning devices, which can be used to operate certain push-start vehicles without the original key fob.
Sheriff Garcia reminded residents that many vehicle thefts still occur because vehicles are left unlocked with keys inside. He also encouraged residents to park inside garages whenever possible and consider using steering wheel locking devices to provide an additional layer of protection against theft.
The Sheriff's Office recently launched Operation Key Fob, a multi-agency initiative focused on recovering stolen vehicles and apprehending those responsible. During July alone, the operation has resulted in the recovery of 37 stolen vehicles and 10 arrests.
As always, the fact that criminal charges have been filed is merely an accusation, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.