CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WAND) - Champaign police have received a high number of calls regarding vehicle burglaries.
The department says they've been getting these calls from all over the city but mostly on the southwest side.
Champaign leaders are reminding all residents to lock their cars, hide their valuable items and call if they see anything suspicious.
"We're trying to remind the public to "lock it, hide it, keep it". That's just our little campaign just to remind everyone to lock their cars. It doesn't take about an extra second (t0) lock your car. If you have belongings in your car that you want to keep, you need to hide them otherwise someone else is going to run off with them." said Lt. Bruce Ramseyer.
He says the reports have been recent and they don't want to see this continue.
"Please take a few extra minutes, a few extra seconds really, to lock your stuff (and) put it out of sight. (If) you have a GPS, take it off the windshield and hide it," said Ramseyer.
In addition, police say it's important to also keep an eye for homes. Always lock doors, close windows, hide bikes, lock garage doors and consider an alarm system to install around the house.
Anyone who sees suspicious activity or a crime is asked to contact 9-11 and for non-emergency incidents, call 217-333-8911.
