La Grange Official Warns Local Teens

LA GRANGE, IL – La Grange Village President Mark Kuchler on Monday warned local teenagers about vandalism and other crimes that are frustrating residents.

"As a father of four, I understand teenagers, poor judgment and mistakes," Kuchler said at a Village Board meeting. "But it's been happening a little more than we want in our village."

For instance, a couple of weeks ago, high school- or college-age suspects knocked over several garbage cans on their way to or from a party or an establishment in Countryside, Kuchler said.

"It's tough for residents that wake up at 3 in the morning hearing garbage being kicked over," Kuchler said. "I know Trustee (Tim) O'Brien was one of the neighbors who woke up early to clean up."

Kuchler hinted that officers questioned suspects.

"Your denials are not necessarily being taken that seriously," he said, referring to the suspects.

On Monday, Kuchler said, the front of the Verizon store in downtown La Grange was vandalized. The village took down the graffiti, but that diverted resources from other responsibilities, he said.

Downtown has many cameras, so it's not smart to commit crimes there, he said.

"Sooner or later, people are going to get caught," Kuchler said. "When (parents) call and say it's my son or daughter's first time, we're going to be fed up. There's going to have to be consequences."