Englewood is facing a wave of car thefts, with several incidents occurring within the 007th District during November. The Chicago Police Department has issued a community alert after a series of motor vehicle thefts rocked the neighborhood. According to the CPD, vehicles were typically parked and then found to be missing soon after, either the same day or the next.
The crimes took place across a range of locations, including the 7400 block of South Vincennes Street on November 22, the 50-100 block of West 75th Street on November 20, and blocks on South Princeton Ave and South Lafayette Ave earlier in the month. Authorities are yet to identify the offenders, but they are believed to be male African Americans. The CPD is urging the public to fiercely maintain vigilance and report any suspicious behavior to the police.
Englewood residents, especially those owning Kias and Hyundais, are being advised to take extra precautions to safeguard their vehicles. According to a CPD announcement, local CAPS offices are providing anti-theft steering wheel locks. Vehicle owners are also encouraged to have special markings etched into their catalytic converters at any of the 22 police districts, a distinctive marking aimed at deterring theft.
In addition to physical deterrents, the city is offering reimbursement for GPS tracking devices to residents who register with the city. This incentive is part of an effort to not only recover stolen vehicles but also to potentially catch the thieves. The police are calling on citizens to never leave keys in their vehicles, and they must ensure not to leave their cars running unattended. In the event of a vehicle theft, residents should immediately call 911 and provide detailed descriptions of any offenders or suspicious vehicles, including license plate information.
