On the list of common sense things people can do to prevent crime, not leaving your car running and unattended with the keys inside has to be near the top. But, as the saying goes, common sense not so common.
Just ask the cops who patrol the city’s River North and Streeterville neighborhoods.
Between Mar. 19 and Mar. 30, they handled at least five stolen vehicle reports that involve owners who left their cars running and unattended with the keys inside. That’s according to a community alert from Area Central detectives.
Another car was stolen shortly after 9 p.m. Thursday when its owner left it running at the BP gas station on the corner of Ontario and La Salle. That one is not included in the CPD total.
Three cars were stolen in the area on Monday alone.
Police said the thefts took place in the first block of East Pearson on the afternoon of Mar. 19; in the first block of East Grand on the afternoon of Mar. 29; and in the 200 block of East Illinois, the first block of West Ontario, and the 1200 block of North La Salle on the afternoon and evening of Mar. 30.
No arrests have been made.
Detectives urged drivers to “not leave your keys in your vehicle and turn off the engine.”
Anyone with information about the auto thefts can contact Area Central investigators at 312-747-8382 about crime pattern P20-1-111.