(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Skokie police are giving away more than 200 vehicle alarms to residents this weekend in hopes of reducing the number of catalytic converter thefts in the north suburb.
Sgt. John Oakley, who leads the police department's crime prevention program, says about 600 residents requested the free alarms, which make a loud sound when someone tries to remove a catalytic converter.
He says priority was given to residents who park outside rather than in garages, as well as to owners of the vehicles most targeted by catalytic converter thieves.
“Some of them are targeted because of easy access to get under the car. Others are targeted based upon how valuable they are. Some of them have the greater value and more of the precious metals inside of them that the criminals are looking for,” he said.
Oakley there could be additional giveaways of the alarms in Skokie. The model being offered is made by Fast Guard Alarms and retails for about $30.
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