The Will County Sheriff's Office is reminding residents to lock their vehicles after seeing an increase of burglary to motor vehicles being reported within the last few weeks.  The majority of cars that are burglarized are unlocked.  These types of thefts are considered a 'crime of opportunity'.  If you leave valuables inside your vehicle and the doors/windows are left open the criminal can be in and out within seconds.   

Remembering to lock car doors is one of the simplest ways for residents to avoid becoming a victim. Even if you are leaving your vehicle for just a minute or two to run back into your house, run into the bank or gas station,  make sure you turn off your vehicle and lock the doors.

By following a few simple tips you can avoid becoming an easy target:

   -Do not leave anything of value inside your car.  This includes checkbooks, cell phones, chargers, GPS units, loose change...even these items are a guaranteed prize for a criminal.

  -If you cannot take something of value with you when you exit your vehicle, place it in your trunk or at the least, hide it out of plain sight.

  -If you see something, say something!  Please report any suspicious individuals in your neighborhood who may be scouting out the area for easy targets.  If you are out-and-about and see suspicious subjects walking through parking lots looking into vehicles, call your local police department. 

No one wants to become a victim.....Remember, LOCK YOUR CARS!

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