The Williamson County Sheriff is seeing an uptick in vehicle thefts this year. They say they have recovered dozens of stolen cars since October.
WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Ill. (WSIL) --The Williamson County Sheriff is seeing an uptick in vehicle thefts this year.Â
They say they have recovered dozens of stolen cars since October.
Sheriff Jeff Diederich says they have recovered 32 stolen vehicles out of the 36 cases they are investigating.
“Each of those are separate cases and we've had a very good success in recovery of those vehicles,� Diederich said.
Diederich says the most recent car recovered was a commercial power wash truck found in Herrin.Â
“Most of these vehicles are crimes of opportunity. Some are juveniles. We've had others where it's individuals with addiction issues and different things that have taken the opportunity to take vehicles either for mode of transportation,� Diederich said.
He says people have also reported stolen dirt bikes, all-terrain vehicles, and utility task vehicles.
“Overwhelmingly, most of these vehicles have been crimes of opportunity. So either the keys have been left in the vehicle,� Diederich says. “In many cases, the individuals have the knowledge necessary to be able to punch the ignition.�
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says there are many things people can do to prevent theft. Including, remembering to take your keys, and lock your doors every time you get out of the car.
Diederich says people will steal the vehicles for parts, or items in the cars.
“Make sure that your personal belongings are removed from the vehicle,� Diederich said.
He says even though they may find your car, they can't control what shape the car will be in.
“We've had some isolated cases where some of the vehicles were parked and abandoned in remote areas and in one particular case lit on fire and it was completely destroyed,� Diederich said.
Diedrich says even though their recovery rate has been close to 90%, their goal is to try and prevent theft before it happens.Â
