GPS robberies put county police forces on high alert

By Hannah Hess

A recent string of vehicle burglaries prompted the Champaign County CrimeStoppers to issue a bulletin warning residents not to leave expensive items in plain view inside their vehicles.

According to the bulletin, burglars looking for GPS systems have broken car windows and raided unlocked vehicles.

On Thursday, Feb. 26, 24 vehicles were burglarized west of Prospect Avenue in Champaign. The suspect is described as a white male in his early twenties, 6-feet-2-inches, 180 pounds, wearing all dark clothing.

There was an additional report of suspicious activity Thursday night on an Urbana street. A black male, 5-feet-8 or 10-inches, medium build, wearing a knit cap, black jacket, gloves, and dark jeans, was reported to be trying door handles on the 2200 block of South Cottage Grove.

Residents are encouraged to call crime stoppers with any information on the crimes.

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