Approximately 750 vehicles have been stolen in the Quad-Cities in 2016 and the first part of 2017.
Available on this page are actual raw footage videos of recent car thefts in the QCA. Maybe you will recognize the locations and even the vehicles that were featured.
The most prevalent age group of suspects, according to area law enforcement, is 12-18.
The youngest suspect was just 11.
It’s an alarming trend that area law enforcement say is becoming a threat to public safety and is leading to even more serious crimes.
Davenport Police Chief Paul Sikorski and chiefs, sheriffs and officers from Bettendorf, Moline, Rock Island, Rock Island County and Scott County held a news conference Friday at the Davenport Police Department to announce the launch of the Lock It Up Initiative, which encourages residents to lock their cars.
The spike in vehicle thefts started in 2016. Davenport alone has seen an 81 percent increase in cases for the first part of 2017 compared to the first part of 2016.
Most of the cases have involved the theft of a vehicle that is left unattended or unlocked with the keys inside, Sikorski said.
Thefts are occurring in all neighborhoods, convenient stores and gas stations throughout the Quad-Cities.
What is happening with the stolen cars once they are taken in many cases is more concerning than the actual theft, Sikorski said.
- Thieves are taking the cars and driving recklessly, fleeing from police and committing thefts, burglaries, shootings, hit and run crashes and more.
- Thieves are taking vehicles from one city, committing a crime in another city, and ditching the car in another city, Sikorski said.
- Most recovered stolen vehicles often has damage, some of which is severe.
“Time after time these suspects show no regard for the law, police officers, public safety or any consequences,” Bettendorf Police Capt. Keith Kimball said.
Source information: Quad Cities Times