LockItDownQC!

Lock your car! It seems simple enough, but most stolen cars in the QCA were unlocked. Do your part to help make the Quad City region a safer place!

About the Program

The mission of Lock It Down QC is to prevent auto theft in the Quad City Area. Lock It Down QC is a cooperative effort of Iowa and Illinois Quad City Area law enforcement agencies.

DAVENPORT, IOWA (December 21, 2020) — On Monday, the Davenport Police Department, along with Quad City area law enforcement partners, hosted a press conference to discuss the issue of stolen vehicles in the Quad Cities and announced a new initiative, Lock It Down, QC. Lock It Down, QC is a cooperative effort of local law enforcement agencies to prevent auto theft in the Quad Cities.

“Vehicle thefts are an almost 100% preventable crime. We are pleading with the Quad City region to please take this seriously and lock your vehicles, never leave your car running unattended and never leave your keys in your car,” said Davenport Police Chief Jeffery Bladel. Through the end of November, incidents of stolen vehicles in the Quad City area have increased 14.5% over 2019. In the month of December, the Quad Cities area has reported over 70 stolen cars including one day where 14 cars were stolen in a single day. Law enforcement officials stated that these stolen cars were often used to commit other crimes throughout the community, up to and including homicide.

“Stolen vehicles don’t just impact the vehicle owner, but also impact our community as a whole when these vehicles are used to commit other crimes. The simple act of locking your vehicle can help keep our entire community safe.” said Rock Island Police Chief, Richard Landi. Officials outlined three key actions Quad City citizens can take to prevent car theft including:

Never leave your car running, even if you have your fob.
Always lock your car.
Never leave your keys in your car.

To date, 24 QCA law enforcement agencies are committed to the Lock It Down, QC campaign. These agencies include:

Davenport Police
Rock Island Police
Iowa State Patrol
Colona Police
Blue Grass Police
Walcott Police
LeClaire Police

Eldridge Police
Princeton Police
McCausland Police
Scott County Sheriff
Galesburg Police
Geneseo Police
East Moline Police
DeWitt Police
Illinois State Police
Muscatine Police
Whiteside County Sheriff's Office
Muscatine County Sheriff

WHY YOU SHOULD CARE ABOUT AUTO THEFT

Stolen vehicles are often used to commit other violent crimes in our community including gun violence. By locking your vehicle, you prevent criminals from having access to transportation to commit other crimes throughout our community.
Did you leave your house keys or garage door opener in the vehicle? A thief may now have access to your home and other personal belongings.
Identify theft. If you left mail, bills, car registration work files, or other sensitive information in your car, you have now also made yourself a possible victim of identity theft.
If your car is stolen, your daily routine quickly changes. How will you get to work, get groceries, pick up the kids?
Paying a deductible or trying to replace your car takes time and money.
When large numbers of vehicles are stolen, insurance rates go up and we all pay the price.

“Vehicle thefts are an almost 100% preventable crime. We are pleading with the quad city region to please take this seriously and lock your vehicles.”

– Davenport Police Chief Jeffery Bladel

- Rock Island Police Chief Richard Landi

Info/Tips

Through the end of November 2020, incidents of stolen vehicles in the Quad City area have increased 14.5% over 2019. In the month of December 2020, the Quad Cities area has reported over 70 stolen cars including one day where 14 cars were stolen in a single day. Law enforcement officials stated that these stolen cars were often used to commit other crimes throughout the community, up to and including homicide..

Never leave your car running, even if you have your fob

While it is tempting to warm up your vehicle in your driveway on cold mornings, this behavior can lead to getting your vehicle stolen. Just because your vehicle is parked in your driveway doesn’t guarantee its safety. Leaving your vehicle running and unattended with the keys in the ignition is an easy target for thieves. An alternative that allows you to warm up your vehicle while keeping thieves out is a remote start. You will not be able to remote start your vehicle if it is unlocked, therefore, making it less of an easy target for thieves.

Never leave your keys in your car

Take your keys with you when you leave your vehicle. Make sure to turn your vehicle off and remove your keys at all times, even if it's just a quick trip back inside the house. Many vehicles will still drive if left running even if the key fob is removed.

Always Lock your Car, Park in Well-Lit Areas

Park your vehicle in a safe, well-lit area that gets plenty of foot traffic. Even at familiar locations, such as work, the grocery store or daycare, be sure to park somewhere safe to avoid becoming a target for opportunistic thieves.

Be Aware

Be alert. As you approach your vehicle, be aware of your surroundings. Remember where your vehicle is parked and walk directly to it. Avoid talking or texting on cell phones, digging for keys or juggling multiple packages as it can be a distraction and can make you an easy target to criminals. Common sense is your first defense against auto theft.