Palos Park, IL – As winter temperatures settle in across suburban Chicago, Palos Park police are warning residents not to leave vehicles running unattended while warming them up, calling it one of the most common ways cars are stolen during cold weather.
According to the Palos Park Police Department, officers frequently see vehicle thefts spike during winter months when drivers start cars to warm them up and step away “just for a minute.” Police say that brief window is often all thieves need.
In a safety message shared this week, the department urged residents to avoid turning their vehicles into “an easy target” by following a few basic precautions. Police recommend never leaving a car running without supervision, even in a driveway, and always locking doors every time you exit the vehicle.
Authorities also stressed the importance of removing keys and key fobs, noting that modern vehicles can still be stolen if fobs are left inside. For drivers who need to warm up their cars in freezing conditions, police suggest using a remote start feature rather than leaving the engine running manually.
Palos Park is located in southern Cook County, southwest of Chicago, where winter car thefts are a recurring seasonal concern for suburban police departments. While no specific theft numbers were released, officials say these crimes are often preventable.
Police say many reported thefts involve vehicles taken from residential driveways or curbside parking early in the morning or late at night. Residents are encouraged to remain alert and report any suspicious activity in their neighborhoods.
Officials say staying vigilant and following these simple steps can significantly reduce the risk of becoming a victim this winter
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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