Van Stolen, Unlocked Cars Entered In Tinley Park

TINLEY PARK, IL -- Tinley Park officials are reminding residents to always lock their cars after a series of unlocked vehicles were entered and a van stolen Thursday night in the village.

The cars that were entered were all parked along 171st Street between Harlem and 88th avenues, according to a social media blast from the village.

Tinley Park police attempted to stop the stolen van but were not able to. They did recover another vehicle, one previously reported stolen from Chicago, at the scene.

Leaving one stolen vehicle behind when stealing another is nothing new to the thieves who have committed similar crimes throughout the south suburbs recently. Similar reports have been made in recent weeks in Mokena, Flossmoor and Frankfort.

"When they steal cars, they are doing so to commit other crimes," Frankfort Police Deputy Chief Kevin Keegan said recently. "They'll steal one and leave it somewhere before stealing another."

READ MORE: Stolen Cars, Car Burglaries Reported In Frankfort

After the latest incident, police in Tinley Park are stressing residents to "lock their cars, leave outside lights on and call 9-1-1 immediately to report suspicious activity."