The Park Forest Police Department is urging residents to refrain from leaving their cars running unattended, following an uptick in car thefts reported in the area.
Over the weekend, officers made two arrests involving two teenagers linked to these car theft incidents. Chief Brian Rzyski explained that criminals are exploiting the cold winter weather to target unsuspecting residents. He highlighted that many of these crimes are opportunistic, often committed with little to no forethought or planning.
Common situations that lead to thefts include unattended purses left in plain sight and garage doors unintentionally left open. Chief Rzyski stated that criminals are quick to seize these opportunities, and the frequency of such thefts tends to rise significantly during the colder months when people are more likely to warm up their vehicles.
"When temperatures drop, it becomes instinctive for residents to step outside to start their cars and warm them up, often leaving the keys inside," Chief Rzyski noted. "Unfortunately, we have documented cases where individuals returned just minutes later to discover their vehicles gone."
Rzyski emphasized the importance of vigilance, stating, "Never leave your car running with the keys inside. This practice not only invites theft but is also illegal in the Village of Park Forest."
According to Illinois law, it is prohibited to leave a motor vehicle unattended without first stopping the engine, locking the ignition, and removing the keys, as such actions contribute to increased vehicle theft opportunities. Residents are encouraged to adopt safer practices to protect their property.
Rzyski emphasized that his warning is critical for all drivers, particularly those who leave their cars running with the keys inside. However, it also extends to owners of push-button start vehicles, which are commonly referred to as keyless ignition systems.
Many people mistakenly believe that the presence of a proximity key fob will secure their vehicles, assuming that the car will be immobilized if it moves a certain distance away from the fob or if it remains off without the fob detected for a specific time. Rzyski clarified that this assumption is inaccurate for many makes and models of vehicles, as these keyless systems were not specifically engineered to prevent car theft.
Thieves have been known to exploit various vulnerabilities present in keyless entry systems. For instance, they may utilize relay devices that amplify the fob’s signal, allowing them to unlock and start the vehicle without having the actual key fob nearby. This makes it alarmingly easy for thieves to drive away with a vehicle, often in a matter of minutes.
"I cannot overstate the importance of this message: Never leave your vehicle running unattended," Rzyski urged. "The risks simply aren't worth it."