Burglars Behind Hundreds of Stolen Cars Converge on Elmhurst: Cops

Elmhurst residents are the latest victims of a crime spree that started in May and now comprises hundreds 0f area vehicle thefts and break-ins, according to a Thursday news alert from local law enforcement officials.

Afflicted areas include Lake Forest, Lake Bluff, Wilmette, Highland Park, Glencoe, Glenview, Winnetka, Northbrook, Deerfield, Hinsdale, Bolingbrook, Naperville and most recently, Elmhurst. Police say thieves are stealing unlocked vehicles that have their keys or fobs inside. They are generally targeting high-end, luxury cars parked overnight in residential driveways.

To date, more than 100 have been stolen and upwards of 200 have been burglarized, police said. Two cars have been snagged in Elmhurst.

“In a majority of the cases, the stolen vehicles have been left unlocked with the keys in the car," Elmhurst Police Chief Michael Ruth said. "If the thieves did not find the keys, they stole what they could. We have an escalated alert out to all residents, asking them to please lock their vehicles and take the keys with them. If the thieves do not have success in committing this crime in Elmhurst, they will stop targeting this area.”

Residents should heed advice to lock their car and garage doors and remove keys, fobs, wallets and valuables from their vehicles, Ruth said. He also recommends deterring thieves by installing motion sensor lights in driveways and outside homes.

"Elmhurst police remind us that there are 3 elements that must be present to commit a crime: desire, ability and opportunity," the alert said. "Residents can remove the criminal’s opportunity by always locking car doors, and removing the keys and any valuables from the vehicle."