The Illinois State Police says car theives are good at what they do.
The agency has been using more than $10 million in grant funding to try to crack down on auto thefts and hijackings.
From July through September, Illinois State Troopers recovered more than 200 stolen vehicles in special enforcement efforts. The crackdown included the use of K9's and air operations.
Forensic analysts handled more than a thousand pieces of evidence.
"They can help determine if the vehicle was stolen for parts, sometimes they will steal it for parts or it was for joyriding," said State Police Master Sergeant Calvin Dye on Total Information A.M.
Dye says sometimes suspects will admit they stole a car just to have transportation.
It's easy to do.
"So what a lot of the analysts say, what they are saying through the fingerprints, the DNA swabs is that these car thieves, there's a certain spot behind the steering column where they can get back there," explains Dye. "There's a piece behind the steering column where if they utilize a screwdriver or a USB, surprisingly, most of these vehicles will start up."
KMOX asked Dye what should you do if someone is stealing your car.
"The number one thing is it's going to catch you off guard and you're going to be shocked, but please comply," said Dye. "Your vehicle is replaceable. Your life is not."
Dye adds don't get argumentative or combative.
To avoid becoming a victim in the first place, Dye says you need to be aware of who's around you whenever you get into your vehicle.
"When we interview these suspects stealing cars, they will say, 'this person came out of the mall, they came out of the grocery store, the restaurant and they were not paying attention,'" said Dye. "They told us they go for the individual that is not paying attention, so be alert and be looking around."
Dye says another way criminals get access to cars is because owners leave them unlocked especially in more affluent areas.
"They say usually, over 50% of them are unlocked and it is so easy," said Dye.
Dye says the most commonly stolen makes of cars are: Kia, Hyundai, BMW, Chrysler, and Dodge.