Huntley Police ask residents to lock things up at night

HUNTLEY – Huntley Police are hoping residents will turn 9 p.m. into a time of protection and safety after the village has been targeted by a ring of thieves focusing on cars, trucks, and garage doors left open by their owners.

“It’s unfortunate that you have to protect your property from people who have no right to it in the first place, but that’s where we are,” said Deputy Chief Mike Klunk.

Over the past few months, the thieves have hit vehicles and open garages in villages across the northwest suburbs, and Klunk said there’s some indication they may be based in Rockford. Two cars stolen in the past few months from Huntley have been recovered in Rockford, one after a police chase and the other after it was involved in an accident, he said.

Besides the half-dozen cars taken off Huntley streets, Klunk said, “We’ve had a lot of cars broken into.”

Residents have made it easy for the thieves. However, as Klunk said, every car and garage hit has been left unlocked with valuables in sight.

To help people remember to lock up, the department has been using its Facebook page to let people know when it’s time to practice “the 9 p.m. routine.”

People are reminded to come outside and check if their garage door has been closed and the outside lights are turned on. If a vehicle is left in the driveway or street, Klunk said people are encouraged to remove any keys that might have been left in the truck or car and to remove any garage door opener that a thief could use to gain access to the house, as well as removing any valuables.

The biggest deterrent to theft, Klunk said, is to make sure your vehicle, your belongings and even your house, are locked tight for the night.

“Whatever’s easy for these people, that’s what they end up taking,” he said.