DuPage Residents Urged To Lock Cars As Burglaries Increase

DUPAGE COUNTY, IL — The DuPage County Sheriff's Office recently issued a firm warning to residents to keep their cars and homes locked as burglaries have been on the rise over the past few winters. Police warn that "crews of thieves" have been coming from Chicago to DuPage County to burglarize and steal cars, specifically those that have been left unlocked.

In a post on Facebook, the Sheriff's Office said the burglars often drive to an area and park a running car in the street and leave the doors open to allow for a quick getaway. Police suggest calling 911 if you spot a running car with its doors left open.

The DuPage County Sheriff's Office urges residents to leave their cars locked at all times and to leave valuables and keys out of the car. They especially stress that a car should not be left unattended with the keys inside when it is running, even during the winter.

In late February, police in Downers Grove found a black Hummer that was stolen out of Chicago near the scene of where another car was stolen and multiple cars were burglarized. Last March, Glen Ellyn police reported that close to 90 percent of vehicle burglaries reported in the village were committed on cars that had been left unlocked.

Many towns in DuPage County have taken to social media to remind residents of the daily "9 p.m. Routine," which is a reminder to ensure that your home and vehicles are locked nightly.

Anyone who has information about car thefts and burglaries in DuPage County is encouraged to call the DuPage County Sheriff's Office at 630-407-2400 .