Editor's Note: This article has been edited with updated information from police provided on Thursday morning.
OAK FOREST, IL — Oak Forest police are warning commuters to be vigilant after three vehicles were stolen and two burglarized at local Metra lots in the last two weeks, police said Wednesday.
Two of the vehicles are registered as Toyota Rav 4s, police said, noting it's too small of a data sample to determine if the make and model are a factor. The incidents happened at the main lot at the Oak Forest Metra station, and 157th Street lot. One car was stolen from the main lot, and two were stolen from the 157th Street lot. Burglaries were split between the two lots.
"We have seen an uptick in the number of stolen/burglarized vehicles from the Metra lots in the past two weeks compared to the two months prior," said Oak Forest Police Chief Dominic D’Ambrosio.
Zero thefts or burglaries were reported at the Metra lots in the two months prior, he added.
The police department has increased patrols, targeted enforcement efforts, and surveillance in and around the Metra lots in response to the recent vehicle thefts and burglaries, D'Ambrosio said.
"We also encourage residents and commuters to remain vigilant, remove valuables from vehicles, and immediately report suspicious activity to 911 or the non-emergency line at 708-687-1376," D'Ambrosio said.
The city has five total Metra lots, with the three others located at 158th and 159th streets, and Waverly Avenue.
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