Residents in Chicago's Grand Crossing area are on high alert as a spate of motor vehicle thefts hit the 003rd District in April. According to a community alert from the Chicago Police Department (CPD), there have been a series of legal on-street parked vehicles that have gone missing, shaking the sense of security for many living in the affected neighborhoods.
The CPD has reported multiple incidents starting from April 11, with the latest occurring on April 21. The affected blocks include the 1900 block of East 73rd Street, the 7100 block of South Bennett Ave, and several other locations across the district, demonstrating a pattern of audacious thefts that have struck at varying times, from the early morning to late at night. Victims have faced the unsettling discovery that their vehicles, once securely parked, were no longer where they left them. Some locations, like the 7300 block of South East End Ave, saw repeated incidents. Entering cars without breaking seems to be the method of operation, hinting at a sophisticated and, potentially coordinated series of crimes.
The CPD is urging the community to take precautions such as securing their vehicles and not leaving the keys inside or leaving cars running unattended. Suspicious activities should be reported immediately, and locals should maintain vigilance over their vehicles and their surroundings. Additional advice includes keeping doors and windows of vehicles secured and alerting neighbors to the crime trend. Residents are encouraged to be particularly watchful of people loitering suspiciously in the area.
Furthermore, the police have offered specific services to help curb the thefts. Kia and Hyundai owners have been invited to pick up anti-theft steering wheel locks from their local CAPS office, a tool that could deter the hot-wiring or unauthorized use of vehicles. Additionally, residents have the option to get their vehicle's catalytic converters marked with special, traceable etching at all 22 police districts which might assist in the recovery of stolen parts. In an incentive to bolster personal vehicle security, the city is reimbursing the cost of GPS tracking devices for registered residents, providing yet another layer of protection and peace of mind.
Citizens who witness any incidents are advised to call 911 and provide detailed descriptions of offenders, including any vehicle description and license plate information they can capture.
