Car Thieves Look For Cars Warming in Driveways: Police

LAKE COUNTY, IL — The Lake County Sheriff's Office has received 60 reports of cars being stolen within the sheriff's office jurisdiction so far this year, officials said. In light of the thefts, police are reminding residents to take basic steps to prevent themselves from falling victim.

The vast majority of these incidents occur when a vehicle is left unoccupied while running in a driveway, parking lot or on the street — or when the vehicle was parked, but a spare key or spare key fob was left inside the vehicle, according to the sheriff's office news release. Thieves rarely 'hotwire' vehicles, police said.

Vehicle thieves have been particularly active in the early morning hours when car owners are warming their vehicle before they leave for work or school, according to a news release. During these times, vehicle thieves will cruise through neighborhoods looking for vehicles warming in driveways.

When a vehicle is left running or keys/key fobs are left inside the vehicle, a thief can steal it in seconds. Often times if the stolen vehicle is located by law-enforcement, the thief flees from police in the stolen car.

The sheriff's office offered the following tips for preventing such thefts:

• Don't leave cars running while unoccupied — even with the doors locked
• Don't leave spare keys or key fobs in the vehicle
• Always keep your vehicle locked
• Remove valuables from your vehicle
• Keep residential exterior lighting on during the overnight hours
• Consider residential video surveillance
• Always call 911 if you see suspicious activity