Sudden uptick in trailer thefts has SW Illinois police concerned

Officers in southwestern Illinois are warning truckers about an uptick in trailer thefts this week, advising drivers to stay close to their equipment. 

The thefts occurred on Monday and Tuesday of this week in the Metro East area of Cahokia Heights, Illinois. 

According to Fox 2 Now, two trailers were stolen from the Flying J parking lot on Racehorse Drive this week, one with thousands of dollars in electronics inside. 

“I don’t know if there is a string going on around here or if it could be on the rise in the area, but we are going to get extra patrols in the area over there to investigate,” said Sgt. Derek Ruberstell, Cahokia Heights Police Department. “If drivers have the opportunity to leave their cab hook to the trailer, please do so. It’s more of a crime of an opportunity just sitting there unhooked. It’s being investigated, so any leads that auto theft gets or anyone gets, it’s going to be prosecuted.”

PIlot Flying J refused to comment on the situation. 

Anyone with information on the thefts is encouraged to contact the Cahokia Heights Police Department at 618-337-9505.