Hinsdale Police Investigate Residential Burglaries

Two Hinsdale homes were burglarized Nov. 16 between 4:45 and 7:15 p.m. while residents were away, according to a Hinsdale police news release.

One home is in the 500 block of N. Grant Street and the other is in the 500 block of N. Clay. Street.

Burglars forced entry into one home through a dining room window, according to the news release. Jewelry was stolen from the master bedroom of the home in the 500 Block of N. Grant Street. Nothing seemed to be missing from the N. Clay Street home, according to the news release.

Pry marks were found Nov. 17 around 8:30 a.m. on an outside door of a home, also located in the 500 block of N. Clay Street. Police believe burglars didn’t enter this home, according to the news release.

Police encourage area residents with video surveillance footage to contact the Investigations Division at (630) 789-7070. Anyone who sees suspicious or unusual behavior should contact the Hinsdale Police Department by calling 9-1-1.

“It is important to report an accurate description of the person(s) clothing, height, gender, and race,” according to the news release. “If you observe a vehicle, note the color, make, style, and/or license plate.”

Burglary Crime Prevention Tips At Home, courtesy of the Hinsdale Police Department.

The Hinsdale Police Department encourages you to follow these crime prevention tips, particularly if you are vacationing away from home:

• ARM security alarms if they are present within the household. Residents within the community who have security systems sometimes fail to arm them due to the inconvenience or inexperience in their use. Arming the security system increases the likelihood of not only prevention, but also the opportunity of apprehension of the burglar. Even if you’re leaving for a short period of time, arm your system if you have it.

• Make sure your burglar and fire alarms are in working condition. Test them with the alarm company and make sure your alarm company has an updated call list.

• Consider the installation of a video surveillance system. Video systems marketed today provide for the ability for users to monitor their homes while away from a smartphone, or even receive text and email alerts where an intruder may be present on the property. Further, video surveillance system increase the opportunity for investigators to develop investigative leads on a suspect.

• The #1 prevention tip is to make your house look “LIVED IN” when you’re away. Never let items pile up in the mailbox or on the porch. It sends the message that no one is home or watching the residence.

• Arrange with a trusted neighbor to pick up your mail, newspapers, and garbage cans. They live in your neighborhood and know what looks suspicious in the area.

• Make arrangements with trusted friends, neighbors or family to shovel the driveway and maintain the property.

• Set automatic timers for interior and exterior lights, radio and TV’s. Turn the ringer down on the phone. A ringing phone alerts others that no one is home.

• Leave your window shades in a “normal” position, or have your “house-watcher” move the window shade positioning throughout your vacation or your time away from your home. DO NOT CLOSE THE BLINDS.

• Lock your valuables in a safe deposit box or fire safe. Document all valuables via videotape and place this and important serial numbers in a safe deposit box as well.

• Notify the police department and request a “VACATION WATCH” if you will be away from your home for an extended period of time.

• Don’t leave spare keys to the home or vehicle hidden in areas outside or near the home.

• Lock ALL ladders and other supplies in a shed or garage and make sure your garage (attached or detached) is secured at all times.

• Lock your CAR DOORS. Garage door openers in unlocked cars are an instant gateway into your residence regardless of the precautions you take to safeguard the home. You should consider even taking your garage door openers OUT of your vehicles. Remove important papers and documents with personal information on them. Have vehicles moved on occasion, so as to not be parked in one spot all the time.

• Secure your windows by “PINNING” them and place a security bar in the track of your sliding glass doors.

• Leave emergency contact information with the police or a trusted neighbor.

• If you see a suspicious person or vehicle PLEASE don’t hesitate to notify the police by calling 911.