Burglary Spree Raises Concern in Evergreen Park, Oak Lawn

EVERGREEN PARK-OAK LAWN, IL -- A sudden rise in residential burglaries is raising concern in Oak Lawn and Evergreen Park. Since March 1, multiple burglaries have been reported in both towns. Police are telling residents to be alert and report any suspicious vehicles or persons trolling around their neighborhoods.

Evergreen Park police released a photo of a second vehicle captured on home surveillance video, a silver-gray pickup, that’s been spotted near some burglaries. Earlier this week Oak Lawn police released a photo of a silver Kia Optima also seen in the area where burglaries have occurred.

The suspects have knocking on doors and ringing doorbells to find out if anyone is home. Should someone answer the door, the suspects make up a fake name, or offer up some other flimsy store.

According to Oak Lawn police, the burglars have been getting into residences primarily through unlocked rear windows and doors. In one of the burglaries, home surveillance video from a nearby neighbor shows a possible suspect knocking on the door and then return to his vehicle after receiving no answer. The suspect returned to the same residence moments later with an accomplice, who managed to get into the home and burglarize it.

• Call 911 if you see unfamiliar cars or persons trolling your neighborhood, or if an unexpected stranger shows up at your door. You're not bothering police.
• Keep your doors locked at all times, even when you are home. It is also wise to keep your storm door locked, especially when answering the door and there is a stranger outside.
• Make sure locks on windows are in working order, especially those windows that cannot be seen on the street.
• When leaving home for work or a day trip, make sure all the lower level windows and doors are locked.

Police have released a photo of a vehicle used in one of the burglaries. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Oak Lawn Police Department at 708-422-8292 or the Evergreen Park Police Department at 708-422-2144.