Lock Your Doors: Vehicle Burglaries on the Rise in Plainfield

Plainfield police are warning residents to be wary as the number of vehicle break-ins — most attributed to unlocked doors — is up in Plainfield.

Calling the numbers a "sharp increase," Sgt. Kevin McQuaid said police have received 36 reports of burglaries to vehicles since Aug. 1, up from about a dozen reports in June and July.

While there have been some cases of thieves shattering car windows, police said 80 percent of the crimes have been the result of unlocked doors.

The vehicle burglaries have occurred throughout the village, with more than 40 percent happening in the Liberty Grove and Patriot Square subdivisions. Liberty Grove is located west of Wallin Drive between 143rd Street and Lockport Street, while Patriot Square is a half-mile north of Lockport Street west of Van Dyke Road.

Last spring, police provided "Lock It or Lose It" vehicle stickers to remind residents to lock their doors and remove valuable items, as well as to help police determine what vehicles belong in Plainfield neighborhoods. 

To receive a free sticker, stop by the Plainfield Police Department, 14300 S. Coil Plus Drive, between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Friday; or Village Hall, 24401 W. Lockport St., between 7:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays.

Police remind residents to take the following precautions to protect their vehicles and their valuables:

• Always remember to lock your doors when you are away from your vehicle.  It takes a matter of seconds for someone to open your door and grab whatever is convenient.
• Even when you lock your doors, please remember to keep all valuables out of sight.  Items such as GPS units, lap tops, cell phones, purse and wallets have all been targeted recently.  Do not make yourself an easy victim by leaving these items out for everyone to see.
• Contact the Plainfield Police Department to report any suspicious activity.