Palos Park, IL – As freezing temperatures grip the region this week, police in southwest Cook County are warning drivers about a seasonal crime trend that often spikes during winter mornings: vehicle thefts linked to unattended warm-ups.
According to the Palos Park Police Department, drivers who leave their vehicles running and unlocked while warming them up are creating easy opportunities for thieves. Police say suspects often cruise residential neighborhoods specifically looking for cars left unattended in driveways or along curbside streets.
“Think twice before leaving your car running unattended,” police said in a public safety reminder shared this week. “Thieves are on the lookout for vehicles warming up in driveways.”
Authorities say these incidents frequently occur during early morning hours, when drivers step inside briefly to get ready for work or school. In many cases, the theft happens in under a minute.
Police are urging residents across Palos Park, Cook County, and the southwest Chicago suburbs to take simple precautions, including locking doors, removing key fobs, and staying with vehicles while they warm up. Even newer vehicles with keyless ignitions are not immune, officers warn.
The warning comes as temperatures across northeastern Illinois continue to dip into the teens and 20s this week, increasing the temptation for drivers to start cars early and leave them running.
Law enforcement officials also remind residents that some municipalities issue citations for unattended running vehicles, in addition to the risk of theft.
Anyone who witnesses suspicious behavior or believes their vehicle may have been targeted is encouraged to contact local police immediately.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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