Lock It Up, Elmhurst: Police Warn of Burglary Crew After Four Cars Ransacked
Another stark reminder about securing your vehicle has just come from the Elmhurst Police Department. Authorities are investigating a crew of car burglars after a brazen, early morning spree saw four vehicles ransacked in a local neighborhood this week. Police are urging residents to take immediate action, stressing that simple precautions are the best defense against these organized groups.
The incident unfolded around 4:00 a.m. on a recent Tuesday morning. According to police, a community service officer on routine patrol spotted a suspicious white Kia Stinger near the intersection of Holly Avenue and May Street. As the officer approached, the driver of the Kia quickly sped away, heading east onto Interstate 290. Following the getaway, officers discovered the crew had already done their damage, burglarizing four unlocked cars parked outside in the area.
Surveillance footage provided to the police by a watchful resident helped paint a clearer picture of the operation. The video reportedly showed a team of five suspects at work: four individuals on foot checking for unlocked cars, with the fifth waiting in the getaway car. Police have noted that these crews almost exclusively target cars that have been left unlocked. This method allows them to move quickly and quietly through a neighborhood without drawing attention to themselves by smashing windows.
The suspect vehicle, the white Kia Stinger, is believed to have been operating without license plates and may have been recently stolen from the Chicago area. This connection highlights a disturbing trend where suburban areas like Elmhurst are targeted by criminals traveling from larger metropolitan areas, often using stolen vehicles to commit new crimes.
This is not an isolated event. Earlier in the year, Elmhurst experienced similar incidents where thieves not only stole from unlocked cars but even managed to steal entire vehicles because the owners had left their key fobs inside. This easy access is exactly what criminal groups are looking for.
In response to this latest activity, the Elmhurst Police Department has re-issued a strong public safety campaign with clear, actionable advice. The message is simple: “Lock It or Lose It, Elmhurst!”
Police recommend residents adopt a few simple habits to protect their property. First and foremost, you must lock all parked cars, especially those in driveways. Secondly, remove all valuables from your car, and critically, take the keys and key fobs out of the vehicle entirely, even if the car is parked in your own driveway or garage. Finally, always remove garage door openers from any cars parked outside, as this can give thieves access to your entire home. If you have a garage, police advise parking inside whenever possible.
Authorities also ask that if you see any suspicious individuals or vehicles in your neighborhood, especially during overnight or early morning hours, you should call 911 immediately. However, for your own safety, police stress that residents should never attempt to confront or approach the suspects.
Investigators are still asking for the public’s help. If you have exterior video footage of the incident or of any suspicious people, a white sedan, or a white SUV during the early hours of Tuesday morning, please contact the Elmhurst Police Department detectives to assist with the investigation.