Police: 3 cars stolen in Naperville had key fobs inside

Three cars were reported stolen and 33 others broken into during the past week in Naperville in what police are calling a rash of crimes targeting unlocked vehicles.

All 36 vehicles were unlocked, Naperville police Cmdr. Lou Cammiso said, and the three that were stolen also had key fobs left inside.

Two of the vehicles were recovered, but one remains missing as police investigate possible connections.

"The problem is complacency of the vehicle owners," Cammiso said. "The technology is such that cars are much harder to steal. But when you leave the keys in them, it's very easy."

Taken from owners' driveways were a white 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee from the 500 block of Harlowe Lane, a black 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee from the 600 block of Jackson Avenue and a white 2012 BMW X3 from the 700 block of Julian Street, Cammiso said.

The Jeeps both have been recovered - the white one in Winnetka and the black one in Chicago, he said.

Before that, the white Jeep was reported near Seton Hall Drive, where some of the 33 burglaries to vehicles were reported. Cammiso said the Jeep was driven and occupied by unknown people as they attempted to break into other vehicles.

Car owners also have reported break-ins south of Edward Hospital, near Naper Boulevard south of 75th Street and in the Brookdale area on the city's northwest side.

Police have been using their "Naperville Police Department" Facebook page and @NapervillePD Twitter feed, as well as their Naper Notify community alert system, to remind people to remove keys and lock their vehicles.

The message seems like an obvious one. But he said the recent string of burglaries and stolen vehicles proves people are forgetful, distracted or "not as vigilant as they should be."