Law enforcement agencies in the Quad Cities area are making a new effort to prevent auto theft. Monday morning, leaders of police and sheriff's departments, plus state police from both states, gathered to announce the campaign called "Lock It Down QC."
Davenport Police Chief Paul Sikorsky says vehicle theft has jumped more than 14 per cent this year, and so far this month, more than 70 vehicles have been stolen in this area.
He calls it a crime of opportunity.
"We as community members are letting this happen. We're leaving our cars running in our driveways, and in the lots of convenience stores, and we're still trusting our old instincts that if the car is in my garage I can leave the keys or the fob in it. We just can't do those things."
Rock Island Chief Jeff VenHuizen says it's everyone's responsibility to help prevent crime.
"These stolen vehicles are being used in the commission of other crimes which endangers our residents. The simple act of locking your car can stop not only your vehicle from being stolen but also stop other crimes from being committed as well."
As he says, it takes just a second to steal a car, but takes less than a second to lock it.
Their advice is: never leave your vehicle unlocked, never leave the keys in it even if it's inside your garage, and never leave it running, even if you have the key or fob with you.
