Recent Car Burglaries a Concern in HP

Submitted by the Highland Park Police Department

Highland Park has experienced an increase in car burglaries over the past few days. These burglaries are occurring overnight and involve different types of entry. Some vehicles are unlocked, but in some cases, broken windows were the method of gaining entry. Two cars that had the keys left in them were stolen. The one thing that all these crimes had in common was that valuable items were left in plain view. Please take the following precautions to avoid becoming a victim of these crimes:

• Always lock your car even if it is in your driveway or in front of your home.

• Do not leave valuable items in your car in plain view. Purses, wallets, electronic items, and shopping purchases should be removed or secured in the trunk out of site.

• Always park in a well lit area if possible, and leave your outside lights on overnight if your car is in the driveway.

• Consider motion activated outdoor lighting or lighting on timers.

• Make sure your garage door is closed and any access door into the garage is secured, including the door from the garage to your home.

• Consider a car alarm in conjunction with an alarm for your home. Many insurance companies offer a discount on premiums for property with alarms.

• Report any suspicious persons or activity in your neighborhood to the Police Department. Crime prevention only works when the community takes an active role.

• Consider joining the City’s Neighbor to Neighbor Program. Neighbor to Neighbor is a City-led initiative to help foster a greater sense of community among neighbors in Highland Park.

For additional information, please contact the Police Department Non-Emergency line at (847) 432-7730.