WASHINGTON COUNTY — A rash of vehicle thefts reportedly hit Southern Illinois Tuesday night, with between 6 and 10 vehicles being reported stolen from residential driveways.

Nashville police assisted with attempting to stop several stolen vehicles Tuesday night but were unsuccessful due to the number of vehicles and high rates of speed.

Police are encouraging residents of Nashville and Washington County to lock their vehicles as these vehicle thefts could easily start occurring within Washington County.

If anyone sees anything suspicious and believe it to be related to these vehicle thefts, please report it to your local law enforcement agency.

Local law enforcement received reports of two or three suspicious SUVs in the area late Tuesday night and Nashville officers
attempted to stop them as they traveled north on Route 127.

Washington County Sheriff’s Office assisted with spike strips, but the vehicles maneuvered around them and continued
onto westbound Interstate 64, where it was eventually terminated due to safety reasons because of excessive speed.

Vehicle owners are encouraged to keep their vehicles locked and to never leave the keys inside.