Ravenswood

THEFT FROM AUTO

Community Alert

The Chicago Police Department is alerting citizens of crime trends in thefts from autos. It is the objective of this alert to reduce thefts through prevention, information and apprehension. The police cannot be effective in this without the help of citizens. Remember that theft is a crime of opportunity.

The 19th District has experienced a marked increase in thefts of car radios and sound systems over the past several months. Generally these thefts take place during the hours of darkness. Offenders typically break out a window and then cause considerable damage to the vehicle's dashboard while removing the radio. In most cases, the audio products being stolen are "after-market", not factory-installed equipment.

What You Can Do

Never leave any valuables in your vehicle. Items left visible in the car are an invitation to theft.

Lock your vehicle. If you have an alarm on the vehicle, turn it on. If you hear an alarm going off, take the time to look out the window. An alarm is ineffective if it is ignored.

Be alert to suspicious persons and noises from parked cars and parking lots. Should anything of this nature come to your attention, call 911.

If you are aware of locations or individuals (other than legitimate businesses) that trade in "used" car audio equipment, please pass the information on to the 19th District Tactical Unit at 312-744-0570 or to Area Three Robbery/Burglary/Theft Crimes Unit at 312-744-8263.

Write your name on CD cases with a marker to aid in their retrieval if they are stolen.

If Your Auto is Broken Into:

Report it immediately to the police by calling 311.

If your vehicle is parked in a parking garage, notify the attendant and inquire if there is any video security on the facility. Provide this information to the person taking your report on 311.

If your wallet is stolen, cancel any credit cards that may have been in it immediately. Notify the three major credit bureaus of the theft.