Police Urge Shoppers to Not Get Scrooged by Car Burglars

As the holidays draw near and shoppers are out hitting the stores, the warns that thieves will also be out ready to break into vehicles.

The , a smash-and-grab car burglary gang, continues to break into vehicles in Naperville. In September, police issued a warning to residents about the gang. Since then, another seven vehicles have been targeted in Naperville.

The gang targets places that it knows women in particular might frequent, according to police. Some of the areas targeted include church parking lots, swim and racquet clubs, park district facilities and fitness centers.

Police are asking residents to make sure not to leave purses, wallets or other valuables inside vehicles. If valuables must be left, they should be put in the trunk.

With more people out shopping for gifts, police said it is important not to leave packages inside of a car while continuing to shop. Packages should be kept inside a trunk and if a vehicle does not have a trunk, they should be covered with a blanket or hidden under something else.