Metra commuters targeted: I-Team uncovers more incidents

CHICAGO (WLS) -- The ABC7 I-Team has new information in an investigation that could affect your vehicle. While Metra commuters are hard at work, their cars are continuously being targeted by thieves.

It really is becoming a gamble for Metra riders who pay to park on lots that are vulnerable. In most cases, the commuter parking lots don't have surveillance cameras.

The I-Team found more problems, plus what one police chief is doing to try to bust the criminals.

"I was putting stuff in my truck and all of a sudden I noticed my window's broken, so you're in shock. You're just in shock. It's crazy," said Charlotte Castine, a theft victim.

Castine is one of about two dozen Metra riders targeted by thieves last week, their windows broken as their cars sat in a commuter lot in south suburban University Park during the work day.

"Something has to be done. People have to work together. People need to know about this, have to be more vigilant. I don't know what else can be done. That's one of the reasons why I'm talking to you so that people will be aware of it," Castine said.

The I-Team started warning commuters in January, uncovering dozens of examples. Reports of missing catalytic converters, cars up on bricks - wheels gone - and smashed windows.

All of it happening at several lots from Calumet Park to Lake Forest.

In August, several cars hit by thieves at the 93rd Street lot.

Some are Metra-owned lots and/or patrolled by Metra police.

ABC7's Jason Knowles: "Is it park at your own risk?"

Metra response in August: "I don't think it is that, our system is very safe."

Metra tells the I-Team it responds by stepping up patrols at problem areas, but it only has 105 officers to monitor 90 lots - many which don't have cameras.

"They go to the vehicle they see what they want, they immediately break the glass," said University Park Police Chief John Pate.

Other lots, like the latest one hit in University Park, are private and patrolled by local police departments. Pate showed the I-Team what the criminals are looking for.

He says in most cases, crooks are only taking loose change - yes, that 75 cents in your cup holder can put you at risk!

"For somebody that is a substance abuser, that's enough for them to get their next high," Pate said.

Pate says he's added undercover officers who have stopped thefts for now, and police are following suspicious vehicles that drive on and off the lot.

Knowles: "Wouldn't cameras help?"

Pate: "Yes I think cameras would be very helpful out here but based on the research we conducted, Metra sold this property to a third company and based on that company's statement, they are unwilling to put cameras out here at this time."

Castine has insurance but her car is still being repaired and she'll have to shell out hundreds of dollars for her deductible.

"It's a big inconvenience. It's like you're stunned, I was stunned," she said.

The I-Team left messages for the Chicago South Suburban Mass Transit - that's the name listed as the operator of the pay to park lot in University Park.

Besides hiding your valuables, if you are a Metra commuter, you may want to consider investing in a car alarm or wheel lug locks to protect your wheels from being stolen.