Sheriff John Zaruba is Asking Residents for Their Help in Reducing and Deterring Crime by Being Vigilant in Securing Their Vehicles
In recent months’ multiple jurisdictions within DuPage County, as well as those that surround it, have experienced numerous vehicle thefts and burglaries by groups of criminals from Chicago. The Sheriff’s Office has responded to numerous vehicle thefts and burglaries throughout DuPage County. The most recent being last night where two vehicles, both with keys left in them, were stolen, as well as nine vehicle burglaries committed in the Wheaton/Winfield area. In all of the vehicle thefts our office has investigated involving this group the vehicles were left unlocked with the keys left inside.
These crimes primarily take place during the late night and early morning hours. Criminals will often travel to a subdivision by vehicle and leave that vehicle running in the street with the doors open while they check for unlocked vehicles. If you see a vehicle positioned in this manner or any suspicious activity, we urge you to call 9-1-1 immediately. Please understand that their intention is to steal your car and they have graduated to attempting to gain access to homes.
These stolen vehicles are often times involved in additional crimes and are most often recovered in Chicago. Criminals from Chicago are targeting the western suburbs because vehicles are routinely left unlocked and in some cases left with the keys inside. Police agencies are doing their best to battle these crimes, but we ask that you PLEASE assist us in preventing and combating these criminals by securing your vehicles and personal effects and never leave your keys inside your vehicle. A team effort is needed as we continue to combat this rash of crime.