DES PLAINES, Ill. — Alan Haskins, vice president of government affairs for the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), issued the following statement regarding Senate Bill 23 which would close a loophole related to unlawful entry of vehicles.
“This bill will help protect the public by ensuring those who break into vehicles are subject to the consequences. Almost always, those who forcibly enter vehicles without the permission of the owner are doing so to steal items left inside and sometimes the vehicle itself. Thieves may also use personal papers left inside to commit identity theft.
“Property stolen from vehicles can cost consumers thousands of dollars and this bill could deter thieves if they know they could potentially face a felony. Right now, if you steal items from within a vehicle, the owner must prove the doors were locked for it to count as a felony burglary.
“We continue to remain optimistic legislators will take this issue seriously and close the loophole to protect consumers.”