Watch Out for Violent Car Thieves, Police Tell Winnetka Residents

WINNETKA, IL — Police are warning residents about a series of armed robberies and carjackings in other North Shore communities that could be connected to recent auto thefts in Winnetka, according to a village alert.

"Two vehicles stolen in Winnetka last weekend fit with a pattern of crimes recently committed in Winnetka and neighboring communities," the alert stated. "In all cases, keys or key-fobs were left inside of unlocked vehicles. Lately, several violent crimes—including robbery and car-jackings—have also been committed in neighboring suburbs, with links to some of the same suspects."

Earlier this week in Wilmette, two men in ski masks confronted a woman in her driveway at gunpoint and tried to rob her and steal her car. The suspects fled when the victim screamed, and nothing was taken and no one was hurt.

Winnetka police suspect that the same individuals committing the crimes in neighboring areas are also responsible for the auto thefts in the village. Those offenders, who are considered armed and dangerous, are traveling the area looking for unlocked vehicles with keys or key fobs left inside.

RELATED: 2 Masked Men Try to Rob Woman at Gunpoint as She Pulls Into Driveway

According to Wilmette police Cmdr. Patrick Collins, authorities have determined that there are several different groups of juveniles and young adults with gang affiliations committing auto burglaries and auto thefts.

"The Winnetka Police Department is working with agencies throughout the region to investigate these crimes," the alert stated. "Several offenders remain at large and are expected to continue comitting crimes until captured."

Police are asking residents to do the following things:

• stay vigilant
• lock homes, garage doors and vehicles
• keep belongings vehicles out of sight
• don't leave keys or key fobs in vehicles
• call 911 if you see suspicious activity

PHOTO: (Pixabay)

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