Police are warning residents after a suspect was caught on camera attempting to enter cars in broad daylight in Antioch. The suspect was successful in stealing a car, which was later used in a crime.
The Antioch Police Department said they have been reminding residents to follow a bedtime routine of making sure their cars and homes are locked.
Antioch Police Chief Geoff Guttschow on Monday said residents should now “be vigilant during the day or night.”
The chief’s latest warning comes after a daytime theft of a car in Antioch’s Red Wing View neighborhood.
The victim had left their key fob inside of an unlocked car in a driveway in the 1100 block of Goldfinch Lane.
Thieves took advantage of the opportunity and stole the 2021 Honda Accord around 1 p.m. Friday.
Two other cars in the neighborhood had been rummaged through and had property stolen.
Surveillance video captured the suspect vehicle and one of the suspects involved.
The video showed the suspect trying to enter cars in residents’ garages and driveways.
Guttschow says these crimes are increasing across the suburbs. “Thieves are increasingly taking advantage of opportunities to steal cars and other unsecured items.”
“Many times, stolen cars are then used to commit other crimes in neighboring communities,” he said.
The car that was stolen Friday afternoon was recovered later in the day after it was used during a crime in a neighboring community in Lake County, police said.
Investigators are following several leads and “actively tracking down” the suspects.
“We can’t stress enough, day or night, summer, fall, or winter, it’s important to protect yourself and your property,” Guttschow said. “Additionally, it’s important to be vigilant. If you see something odd, notify the police.”
Guttschow said that it is not unusual for car thieves to be armed and residents who think they see something happening should call the police instead of confronting the suspects.
Anyone with additional information related to the recent crimes, including those with security camera video or anyone who may have been the victim of an unreported crime, should call the Antioch Police dispatch center at 847-270-9111 or email crime@antioch.il.gov.