(WTTW News)
The Chicago Police Department is looking to help prevent motor vehicle thefts through a series of weekend safety events planned throughout the spring.
The department’s Office of Community Policing on Friday announced additional upcoming vehicle safety day events, extending a program launched earlier this year to help connect residents with vehicle safety materials and resources.
During these events, the CPD said it works with private partners and businesses to aid eligible vehicle owners in obtaining steering wheel locks, catalytic converter etchings and other theft prevention information.
So far in 2024, the number of carjackings and motor vehicle thefts are both down compared to the same time last year, dropping 21% and 24% respectively. Despite those drops, the number of vehicle thefts year-to-date is actually up 77% compared to 2022 and 148% compared to 2021.
The CPD said its officers have made 485 motor vehicle-related arrests through the first three months of 2024, and of the 64 vehicular-hijacking arrests made, 44% have involved juvenile offenders.
The police department has upcoming vehicle safety day events scheduled for the following dates and locations:
- April 6: 9 a.m.-2 p.m., California Mufflers and Brakes, 5059 S. California Ave.
- April 13: 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Body Works, 6134 W. Grand Ave.
- April 20: 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Berna’s Auto Repair, 4323 S. Western Ave.
- April 27: 10 a.m.-12 p.m., Wentworth Tire, 11130 S. Corliss Ave.
- May 4: 8-10 a.m., Gonzalez Tire Shop, 4815 W. Lake St.
Registration for these events can be completed here.
