Woman Charged With Burglarizing 2 BMWs Near Villa Park

VILLA PARK, IL — A Villa Park-area woman has been charged with vehicle burglary and identity theft after police say she burglarized two BMWs near Villa Park in late January. Police say a clerk picked Michelle Janousek, 38, out of a photo lineup after she used a Visa card stolen from one of the cars at a local gas station.

Police were first called to the Brandywine subdivision in unincorporated DuPage County on Jan. 28 after two cars were reported to have been burglarized. One of the victims told police that their car had been burglarized before and that a Visa card and other items had been taken.

According to police, they got a physical description of Janousek from a clerk at the gas station where the card was later used. Police say Janousek has had a history of vehicle burglaries.

In a statement, DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin said, "In recent weeks we have seen a significant increase in car burglaries." He also offered some tips for residents to help prevent burglaries.

"There are several steps you can take to minimize your chances of becoming a victim of car burglary," Berlin said, "Since a majority of car thefts are from unlocked cars, whenyou leave your car, be sure to lock your doors and close all the windows, including sunroofs.Additionally, do not leave valuables in your car and if you must, put valuables in the trunk and out of sight. Also, park in well lit, busy areas and avoid parking next to larger vehicles, fences or foliage that may provide cover to would-be thieves."

Janousek is set to appear in court on Feb. 19.