Police are warning motorists after two cars were stolen from the same gas station in Libertyville just hours apart late Wednesday into early Thursday morning.
The Libertyville Police Department responded around 11:30 p.m. Wednesday to the Shell gas station, 1207 West Park Avenue, for a report of a stolen motor vehicle.
Libertyville Police Department Sgt. Scott Peeler said a silver Lexus SUV was stolen from the gas station.
A black Dodge sedan was captured on surveillance video entering the gas station parking lot from the east.
The offender, described as a male black, exited the rear passenger side door of the Dodge.
He entered the silver Lexus while its owner was inside the store, Peeler said.
Both vehicles fled eastbound from the area. The silver Lexus was recovered unoccupied in Waukegan around 4:15 a.m. Thursday.
The police department was called again to the same location around 6:57 a.m. Thursday.
Peeler said a white BMW SUV was stolen by an offender who approached the gas station on foot from the north.
The suspect, who was captured on surveillance video, entered the white BMW while its owner was inside the store.
The vehicle fled the area southbound on Butterfield Road, Peeler said. The stolen vehicle has not been recovered yet.
The Libertyville Police Department said they are actively investigating both incidents. It is unclear whether the suspect was the same in both incidents.
“We would like to remind residents to remain vigilant of their surroundings and to notify the Libertyville Police Department of any suspicious activity,” Peeler said.
“Please ensure vehicles are locked and the valuables removed, to include keys and/or key fobs,” he added.
Anyone with information or video surveillance that would assist in the apprehension of the offenders is asked to contact the Libertyville Police Department Investigation Division at 847-362-8310.