Teens Nabbing Cars In Early Morning Hours: DuPage County Sheriff's Office

WHEATON, IL — A group of teens and young adults is likely responsible for the recent rash of car burglaries in DuPage County, according to a public warning by Undersheriff Frank Bibbiano. "Make no mistake, they are looking for cars with keys left inside and they will steal the car," he said.

Law enforcement believes the juveniles and young adults come into DuPage County during the early hours of the morning and specifically target unlocked cars in the hopes that the keys will be left inside the vehicle. Stressing the growing urgency of this matter, Undersheriff Bibbiano said the DuPage County Sheriff's Department investigated 11 car thefts that were attributed to this group in 2016. So far, they believe the group has already committed nine car thefts in the first half of 2017.

The DuPage County Sheriff's Department has "stepped up [its] patrols of the neighborhood," Bibbiano said. He insisted that community members remain vigilant, lock their cars, and be sure never to leave keys inside vehicles, describing these recent car thefts as "crimes of opportunity."

Law enforcement officials throughout towns in DuPage County have also issued warnings on the local level. Glen Ellyn reported a spike in car thefts, Woodridge has launched a theft prevention campaign and Wheaton had 30 vehicle burglaries.

If you see anything suspicious, the DuPage County Sheriff's Department urges you to call 911 and report it to local law enforcement immediately.

>>Watch Undersheriff Frank Bibbiano's full statement about car thefts in DuPage County:

>>Image via YouTube, PIO at DPSO