Police Remind Residents to Lock Cars

With summer and warmer weather upon us, Downers Grove Police Chief Robert Porter is reminding residents to lock unattended vehicles at all times, even when parked at home in the driveway. Residents are also reminded to remove any valuables in their vehicles to prevent theft.

 “People are out walking later at night and it is the time of year for more of these incidents to occur” said Sgt. Dave Bormann.

The police department has issued notices in the past regarding car thefts, the "vast majority" of which involve unlocked cars, Bormann said.

 A spring issue of the Downers Grove Hometown Times contained a public safety message referencing car-hopping, a slang term used by kids in reference to entering cars and removing property. In a side note to the message, parents are urged to talk to their kids about the seriousness of taking items from a car without the owner’s permission.