The Forest Preserve District is rolling out a lighthearted but important campaign that reminds visitors to “Put Your Junk in the Trunk” to help stop vehicle break-ins at preserves.

The campaign is designed to raise awareness about thefts from unattended vehicles and remind people to stash their valuables before heading out on the trails.

“We want people to be more aware of their surroundings and to be safe,” said Forest Preserve Deputy Police Chief David Barrios Jr. “This goes for anywhere, not just in the forest preserves. Our officers do check on vehicles and educate people when they see valuables left in plain view, but we can’t be everywhere.”

The Junk in Your Trunk campaign includes educational signs in the preserves and a summer social media push featuring a humorous country music video that drives home the message about protecting valuables while enjoying nature.

In the video, a couple arrives at a preserve in a 1949 Chevy and wisely stashes all their treasures – including cash, gold bars and even the Mona Lisa – before heading out for a hike. A would-be carburglar, armed with a hammer, sneaks over to the car, but he finds nothing to steal. Later, the same criminal eyes another vehicle where a purse, wallet and smartphone are clearly visible through the window. Before he can act, he’s apprehended by Forest Preserve police.

The video is a humorous way to deliver a serious message, Barrios added.

“People are more likely to remember the video and its purpose because it uses exaggerated props, a sneaky criminal and has a funny catchphrase,” he said.

Crime of opportunity

Unfortunately, thefts do happen. Windows are smashed and purses, wallets and electronics are taken from vehicles at preserves.

“It is an issue that we in the police department deal with a good amount, but this type of crime is a crime of opportunity,” Barrios said. “A criminal looks for an easy find, and if they see an opportunity to quickly take valuables in plain sight from an unoccupied vehicle, they will take advantage of the situation. The ones we have seen have been mostly purses left on the front seat that were easily taken after a driver or passenger-side window was broken.”

That’s why Forest Preserve police are reminding visitors to stash their stuff out of sight before entering the preserve – or better yet, leave it at home.

“We are doing this to bring awareness about leaving valuables in plain sight in your vehicles while out in our preserves,” Barrios said. “Especially with the nice weather, more people will be out enjoying the preserves. We want to remind preserve users and educate them with tips to keep themselves and their property safe.”

The goal is to get people thinking ahead so they can protect their belongings and enjoy the preserves worry-free.

“Remember, someone might be watching you as you get out to enjoy the preserves,” Barrios said. “They might see your valuables – like purses, wallets and backpacks – left in your car, and as soon as you leave, that’s when they’ll strike.”

In addition to putting your junk in the trunk, Barrios recommends preserve visitors:

• Report suspicious activity as soon as you see it.
• Be a good witness: Get a description, location, direction of travel and license plate number if possible.
• Always carry your cell phone, and add the Forest Preserve’s non-emergency dispatch number to your contacts: 815-727-6191, option 9. In an emergency, call 911.