Cook County Sherriff Tom Dart kicked off the CATA’s recent seminar focused on preventing dealership theft underlining the importance of dealers doing everything they can to make their vehicle inventory less vulnerable to criminals. 

The seminar was presented by law enforcement officials from his office, Chicago Police Department, Illinois State Police, the state’s Auto Theft Task Force and the Hinsdale Police Department.

The presenters have been working toward a more cooperative and coordinated effort to preventing car theft at dealerships and carjackings of individuals which both are at or near all-time highs. They suggest dealers do the same thing.

“Dealers and dealership managers should establish a text chain or use an app like ‘Whatsapp’ to stay in immediate contact with neighboring dealers on their street or in close proximity,” said officer Lou Hayes from Hinsdale. “Report any suspicious activity or individuals you see in your dealership to one another so they can be alerted or tell you if they see the same person acting suspicious in their store.”

The officers also asked that dealers report theft to the CATA (after law enforcement has been notified), so that CATA officials can circulate the information among its membership and alert this law enforcement group, as well. The sharing of information is critical to taming this criminal activity, they said.

Chicago Police Department Sergeant Kevin Sellers warned that all these offenders should be considered armed. “Whether they are breaking into a dealership or stealing a catalytic converter, they have guns,” he said.

Other helpful tips from the presentation included:

LIGHTS & CAMERAS

PERSONNEL

INVENTORY

SECURE ITEMS

ACTIVATION