State Journal-Register
Jason Nevel
Springfield police are warning residents to lock their car doors after a 150 percent increase in motor vehicle thefts through July, fueled primarily by teenagers, who often abandon cars days or weeks later after joyriding.
Meanwhile, authorities also are cracking down with rule changes that will make it more likely teens caught breaking into or stealing cars will spend some time behind bars.
Through July, Springfield police have taken reports on 43 motor vehicle thefts, up from 17 through the same period in 2016. Motor vehicle burglaries also are up, from 82 to 131 through July. Figures for August were not available.
Springfield Police Sgt. Ryan Sims said police have made some arrests that have helped slow the trend, but police need help tracking down the teens.
But the first line of defense, he said, is for people to make sure they lock their car doors.
“You should be able to park in your driveway without fear someone will take your car, but the reality is with certain people, once they get inside and find the keys, they are more than willing to take them,” Sims said.
Authorities also have taken another tactic to curb the spike.
In Sangamon County, juveniles receive points on their criminal records based on the type and severity of a crime committed, as well as their criminal history.
If an arrested juvenile hasn’t accrued too many points, he or she could be released to the custody of a parent or guardian instead of being detained at the juvenile center.
Under a change approved in early August, Sangamon County State’s Attorney John Milhiser said teens who are charged with committing a Class 2 felony or higher will be locked up initially no matter how many points they have. Class 2 felonies include motor vehicle theft and burglary.
Milhiser said he believes the change will act as a deterrent because it sends a strong message to teens, who are familiar with how the point system works, they could face jail time.
“We want to get juveniles on the right path, but if they’re out there committing criminal offenses, then they’re going to be locked up because we have to protect the public,” he said.
While the change guarantees teens will spend some time behind jail initially, it doesn’t mean they will necessarily have a long stay.
Milhiser said the law requires teens appear in front of a judge for a detention hearing within 40 hours of being incarcerated.
A judge would then make a ruling on whether or not the teen should be released. But the release could include conditions of release, Milhiser added, such as curfew, drug or alcohol treatment or be required to attend school.
“A judge could see the teens are released into a safe environment,” he said.
The change was the result of conversations with the state’s attorney’s office, local law enforcement, juvenile probation services, Sangamon County administration and Sangamon County Chief Judge John Belz and Juvenile Court Judge Karen Tharp. Milhiser said it is now in effect.
Sims too said he thought the threat of some jail time could cause teens to think twice.
The most common method teens implore, he said, is walking down a street, often at night, pulling on car-door handles to see if the vehicle is unlocked.
The thieves have targeted areas across Springfield, as far west as Durkin Drive to Dirksen Parkway. In most cases, the car thefts are not to sell, but rather provide a vehicle for the teens or simply use to joyride.
Police have found stolen vehicles abandoned or sometimes they turn up during traffic stops, often damaged, he said.
“It’s a crime of opportunity,” Sims said.
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Motor vehicle thefts through July
2017: 43
2016: 17
2015: 20
2014: 13
Motor vehicle burglaries through July
2017: 131
2016: 82
2015: 103
2014: 58
Source: Springfield Police Department
Joe McMenamin for Ward 7 