'Unlocked Vehicle Thieving Season' Begins In Palos Park

PALOS PARK, IL — Authorities say the summer unlocked vehicle thieving season has begun. Palos Park police spent most of the overnight hours Wednesday chasing a bunch of suspected thieves who were shaking car door handles, looking for unlocked vehicles to steal from.

Shortly after 4 a.m., Palos Park officers responded to a call of a suspicious person in a white Jeep near 118th Street and 83rd Avenue. Police said the suspects entered an unlocked vehicle and removed a garage door opener.

The five suspects fled police officers onto Route 83 during their escape. The Jeep was reported stolen from Lincolnwood. Evidence technicians were working on recovering prints and other evidence from inside the vehicle.

"Palos Park officers will be out in force patrolling, but make no mistake so are thieves circling around looking to enter unlocked cars," Chief Joe Miller said. "We consistently seek new ways to blend in, to do surveillance, to be undetected by the criminal, but they are out looking into your car for laptops, cell phones, cameras and GPS. All are of interest to potential thieves by car, bike and on foot."

Residents are advised to practice the #9PMRoutine, by making a point to hit the lock button on their key fobs, or go outside to make sure their cars and garage doors are unlocked. Palos Park, as other nearby towns, will be using Facebook and Twitter to encourage residents to bring in their valuables, lock your car doors, house and outbuildings.

"We are trying to raise awareness, especially after the theft reports we see coming in where vehicles and properties weren't locked at the time of the theft," Miller said. "Think of it as a friendly reminder."