Police investigating 2 separate vehicle thefts in Springfield, teens arrested

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) - Springfield Police are investigating two separate vehicle thefts.

On November 26 at 11:35 p.m., Springfield Police responded to 5th and Monroe Streets for a report of a traffic crash with injuries.

Police said a red vehicle that had been reported stolen earlier in the evening, was speeding when it ran the red light, hitting another vehicle. The force of the crash wedged the vehicles next to the Illinois State Commerce building at 310 E. Monroe.

Camera footage showed the occupants of the stolen vehicle jump out and get picked up by a black car.

A woman who was driving the vehicle they crashed into was initially unresponsive and rushed to the hospital. Her condition was considered life –threatening but was upgraded to stable.

The occupants of the stolen vehicle were not found.

In a separate, unrelated incident, on November 27, at 2:25 a.m., a Springfield Police officer saw a stolen vehicle in the area of MacArthur Blvd. and South Grand Ave. The officer saw two boys run from the stolen vehicle.

With the help of other officers, two juveniles, 15 and 17 years old, were arrested by Springfield Police. Police said they were in possession of tools commonly used to steal vehicles.

The juveniles were screened through the Sangamon County Juvenile Center. They met points for incarceration, but there were no juvenile centers that had space to house them. The teens were released to guardians with ankle monitors.

The Springfield Police Department suggests the following tips to avoid having your car stolen or broken into:

Always lock your car and do not leave valuable inside the vehicle.
Do not leave your keys or extra keys or fobs in your vehicle.
Park in a well-lit area and never leave your car running.
Consider installing an anti-theft device such as a steering wheel lock, car alarm, GPS tracking system, or electronic immobilizer.
Consider improving the security of your driveway, garage, or streetside with cameras and always be aware of your surroundings.

Anyone with information about the thefts is asked to call the Springfield Police Department at 217.788.8311 and/or Sangamon/Menard County Crime Stoppers at 217.788.8427.