DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ill. (WAND) - Law enforcement agencies across Central Illinois are seeing an increase in thieves stealing items from unlocked cars. This has happened in people's driveways, outside of businesses, and even in busy parking lots. 

"The people that are doing this are looking to get in and get out, and if they can't get what they want immediately, they will move on to the next car," said Nathan Chaplin, the Douglas County Sheriff.  "The chances are that third car, fourth car, fifth car did leave their doors unlocked. They did leave items in the car that can be taken." 

Chaplin added that volume, speed, and ease are the priorities for these types of thieves. They want several cars they can hit quickly without being caught on camera or seen by anyone. 

But there is a lot you can do to keep your property safe. Chaplin's top piece of advice is to lock your car at all times, even if you are at home, or only leaving it for a short period of time. It's also important to remove any items of value from your car. 

"We do get complacent, and sometimes complacency adds fuel to the to the fire when it comes to thefts," said Joe Duncan, Chief of the Atwood Police Department. "Don't leave things in plain sight. If you have to leave them in your vehicle, put them in the trunk if you can, if you can remove them from the vehicle, that's the that's the that's the best thing." 

Duncan also said where you park can be crucial for deterring thieves. If you have a porch light on and a doorbell camera that covers your driveway, a thief is much less likely to target your vehicle. They usually aim for vehicles that are in dark, isolated areas.

If you are the victim of a car burglary, it's important to contact police quickly, even if something small is stolen.  They may be able to find evidence in your vehicle that can connect the suspect to another incident. 

"If your car is burglarized, leave it alone, call your local law enforcement agency, and wait for them to get in there," said Chaplin. "Leave it as fresh as you can gives us the best chance at catching the person that that did it, and fingerprinting the vehicle or looking for other evidence." 

Chaplin said they recently caught someone who entered a car simply to steal a few dollars in change from a car cupholder. When in doubt, be vigilant. 

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