Important Notice About Recent Carjacking Incidents In The Chicago Area

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Important Notice About Recent Carjacking Incidents In The Chicago Area

From Mayor André F. Harvey and the Bellwood Police Department

Bellwood Residents,

As you know, recently there has been a rash of carjacking incidents across the Chicagoland area, including the suburbs. It is highly important for your personal safety that you stay alert and always take precautions to protect yourself whether you are at home, work, shopping or enjoying leisure time.Carjackings and car burglaries can – and are – happening everywhere.

Never leave your car running with the keys in the ignition. If someone demands your car keys, don’t resist. Nothing is
more valuable than your life.

Do NOT leave your keys in your car while it is warming up in the driveway, in front of your home or anywhere else. Do NOT leave your keys inside while at the gas station pumping fuel.

Here are a number of other important tips that you should remember and practice all the time no matter where you are
or what you are doing:

Theft Prevention	Be Alert To Potential Dangers	Avoidance
Vehicles parked along city streets can be targeted for “smash and grab” thefts. Valuables left in plain view also may motivate criminals to quickly break a window and grab them. Store items under seats or in the trunk.Take valuables with you.	Exercise caution when people approach your vehicle requesting directions, change or passing out flyers. When stopping in traffic, leave enough distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you so you can pull away quickly if needed.	Never leave small children unattended in your vehicle. Avoid parking in secluded, poorly lit areas. When having your vehicle serviced or cleaned, remove your house keys from the key ring.

Theft Prevention

Be Alert To Potential Dangers

Avoidance

Vehicles parked along city streets can be targeted for “smash and grab” thefts.

Valuables left in plain view also may motivate criminals to quickly break a window and grab them.

Store items under seats or in the trunk.Take valuables with you.

Exercise caution when people approach your vehicle requesting directions, change or passing out flyers.
When stopping in traffic, leave enough distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you so you can pull away quickly if needed.

Never leave small children unattended in your vehicle.
Avoid parking in secluded, poorly lit areas.
When having your vehicle serviced or cleaned, remove your house keys from the key ring.

Be Aware of Your Surroundings	Actions
Have your keys ready when approaching your vehicle. Do a quick scan of your rear seat before getting in. Be aware of people who may be following you to your vehicle. Lock your doors when inside the car. Refrain from sitting in your car listening to music, talking on a cell phone or conversing.	Try to keep a cell phone accessible when driving. Keep a pen and notebook accessible in your car to write down important information about suspicious circumstances. In case of a vehicle breakdown, call the police for help.