Orland Park, Tinley Park Team Up To Fight Rising Auto Thefts

ORLAND PARK, IL — Tinley Park, Orland Park and Orland Hills police departments announced Friday they are teaming up to prevent crime at local car dealerships within the south suburban towns.

The newly established task force will combine resources from all three municipalities to keep watch over car and auto dealerships which have been the victims of theft, especially as thieves target catalytic converters for lucrative resale value.

Officials told Patch the rise in thefts has been "troublesome" the past few months.

"The aim is to protect local businesses while keeping the public safe from opportunistic offenders looking to steal cars to further commit more violent crimes," said Tinley Park Police Chief Matthew Walsh in a news release.

"All three police departments will work together to surveil, and if the need arises, apprehend individuals who attempt to or commit crimes at local businesses," a spokesperson for Orland Park said.

Orland Hills Police Chief Michael Blaha said car thefts and car part thefts are an issue for the entire area as crimes are sometimes committed with stolen goods from another town's dealership.

According to officials, residents will likely see an increase in police cars and foot patrols along 159th Street where a stretch of car dealerships live. Any resident who notices "something that just looks suspicious," is asked to call the non-emergency line of the local police department to be directed to the task force.