Car Burglaries Quadrupled In August This Year: Downers Grove Police

DOWNERS GROVE, IL — Downers Grove Police are investigating a surge in recent vehicle burglaries that included more than 30 cars burglarized as of August 19. The uptick in car burglaries follows a similar trend in surrounding suburbs that has led to warnings from police in Woodridge and Glen Ellyn.

Last August, Downers Grove had just eight reported vehicle burglaries; that number has nearly quadrupled this August, according to Suburban Life. In the nearby towns of Glen Ellyn and Woodridge, burglars had been targeting unlocked vehicles in the early morning hours, leading law enforcement to urge residents to lock their cars and keep valuable items out of sight.

It's been speculated that the west suburban vehicle burglaries were done by teenagers from out of town, but Downers Grove Police Chief Kurt Bluder told Suburban Life that the rash of burglaries —15 during the night and early morning hours of August 14 and 15 — seems "a little more organized."

In a statement, the Village of Downers Grove advised residents on ways to deter car burglars. Their website states that "while burglars "prefer" to target unlocked vehicles, if there are valuables inside, they will not hesitate to break a window. The police department urges you to lock your vehicle at all times and put valuables in the trunk."

If you see any suspicious activity, contact the Downers Grove Police Department at 630-434-5600.

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