2 Cars Stolen Within 3 Days In Downers Grove: Cops

DOWNERS GROVE, IL — Downers Grove police are investigating two car thefts that took place in early January, according to the village's most recent crime blotter. One car was stolen from a local business and another was stolen while it was being warmed up outside a home.

Car Stolen in 2100 Block of Prentiss Drive

Police say a red 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was stolen from the 2100 block of Prentiss Drive after its owner left it running with the keys inside to warm it up. The victim told police she started her car just after 7 a.m. on Jan. 6. When she checked on the vehicle around 7:42 a.m., it was still there. The woman returned to the car just after 8 a.m. and noticed it was gone, according to police. An iPad, a work laptop, a driver's license and cash were reported to be inside the car when it was stolen. The total loss was valued at $21,800.

Rental Car Stolen from Novak Automotive

A rental car was stolen from Novak Automotive, 1650 Ogden Ave. sometime between late Jan. 3 and early Jan. 4. The red 2008 Mitsubishi Galant was one of the cars on the lot that was available for rent via the Turo app. An employee reported that the car was in the lot and locked when they left around 9 p.m. on Jan. 3. When the employee returned around 9 a.m. Jan. 4, they noticed the car had been stolen. Police say the business still had both sets of car keys in its possession and it is not known how the car was stolen. The total loss was estimated to be $5,000.

In the wake of the car theft at Novak Automotive, Turo spokesperson Catherine Mejia said,

"We were troubled to learn that a host’s vehicle was stolen in Downers Grove last week. While the vehicle was not stolen during a booked trip, our team took immediate action when we learned of the theft to assist the host and law enforcement in the investigation. We are thankful to the Downers Grove Police for recovering the host’s vehicle. Although these incidents are uncommon in our marketplace, our dedicated Trust and Safety team will continue to do all we can in assisting our hosts and local law enforcement."

Anyone with information about these car thefts is urged to call Downers Grove police at 630-434-5600.