Evanston Businesses Hit By Burglaries Targeting Power Tools

EVANSTON, IL — Evanston police are warning businesses and residents after two Aug. 31 burglaries in which several valuable power tools were stolen from work vans and trucks.

The Evanston Police Department said officers received two reports that day involving local businesses. The department said the Evanston cases are a local example of an emerging crime pattern in the Chicago area involving the theft of power tools.

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Surveillance footage obtained by investigators showed several individuals working together during the burglaries. Some of the individuals appeared to be carrying firearms, according to the department. No one was injured during the Evanston incidents.

In response, the department is urging businesses and residents to take steps to protect tools and other equipment. Recommended measures include installing bright, motion-activated lighting near doors and parking areas, locking all doors and windows of buildings and vehicles, and adding high-definition surveillance cameras that provide motion alerts near entrances, vehicles and inside businesses after hours.

Police also recommended installing cameras inside vehicles that provide motion alerts, keeping valuable equipment out of plain view, engraving identifying information on tools and maintaining detailed records. The department said those records should include the make, model, serial number and photographs of equipment.

Police said people who see a burglary should not approach or confront anyone involved and should call 911 immediately. When possible, callers should provide a description of the individuals involved, a description of any vehicles involved and the last known direction of travel.

Anyone with information about the incidents was urged to contact Evanston police at 847-866-5000.

Tips also can be submitted by text. Tipsters can text CRIMES to 275637 and begin the message with EPDTIP.