Police issue alert of recent Hyundai, Kia car thefts on Chicago’s West Side

CHICAGO (CBS) — Chicago police are warning drivers of a series of car thefts in a West Side neighborhood.

Within the past two weeks, at least five Hyundai and Kia vehicles were stolen from the street and parking lots in a South Austin corridor.

The thefts happened near an area bordered by Washington, Madison, Menard, and Central Avenue.

Incident Dates and Locations: 

• 0-100 block of N. Menard on October 4, 2022, between 4:20 and 6:15 p.m. 
• 5600 block of W. Washington on October 9, 2022, at 2:43 p.m. 
• 5600 block of W. Washington on October 12, 2022, at 1:23 p.m.
• 0-100 block of N. Parkside on October 13, 2022, at 5:30 p.m. 
• 0-100 block of N. Waller between 3:00 p.m. October 13 and 12:15 p.m. October 14, 2022. 

Police didn’t have any available descriptions of the suspect(s).

What you can do:  

• Never leave your vehicle running and unoccupied (other than using a remote start). 
• Invest in an anti-theft device, like a steering wheel lock, especially if you own a frequently stolen Make/Model 
• If possible, park in a garage or behind a fence. 
• Consider buying an alarm with motion detection. 
• Do not leave any valuables inside your car. 
• If you observe thieves stealing a car, do not confront them. Dial 911 immediately. 

Anyone with information is asked to contact Area Four Detectives at 312-746-8253.