OVERLAND PARK, Kan. -- As temperatures decrease, so do your chances of getting your car back if it is stolen. That's why Overland Park Police are driving home the message to lock your car doors.
"We find them all over, you know, sometimes we even find them out of state," said Overland Park Police Officer John Lacy.
After a car is stolen, Lacy said they're often found in more than one piece.
"Sometimes they'll strip the vehicle, tires, they'll take the tires, maybe a radio was inside, things of that sort," said Lacy.
Luckily for one Overland Park resident, that was not the case. After four days of searching, police recovered the stolen car, but on the other side of the state line.
Metro area police departments are now working together to identify two suspects seen getting out of the stolen car just before it was found.
"We're trying to dust for finger prints, get DNA off of these vehicles," said Lacy.
In January 2017, Overland Park Police had 15 cars reported stolen. In 2018, that number has more than doubled. Lacy said it is because drivers are leaving their vehicles running or unattended.
"We know it's cold, but at the same time, you know, these thieves are looking for an opportunity," said Lacy.
To date, 42 vehicles have been reported stolen to Overland Park Police. Only 11 have been recovered at this time.
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