Car Burglar Appears To Have Handgun In Lemont Video

LEMONT, IL — Lemont residents expressed concern after a home security video circulated on social media showing suspects entering at least one vehicle and attempting to break into others. The video was taken at 3:40 a.m. Tuesday and showed one of the suspects holding what appeared to be a handgun. Police said several vehicles were burglarized and one car was stolen that night in Lemont.

Lemont Police Commander Thad Mezyk told Patch that six unlocked cars were entered and a 2010 Infiniti was stolen. The incidents were reported on Fourth Street, as well as the Fordham Hills, Hirsekorn and Limestone subdivisions.

Mezyk said the video posted on social media showed what appeared to be several men going through cars, with one brandishing what appeared to be a black pistol.

Police said there has not been an increase in car burglaries in Lemont recently, and car burglaries and thefts happen in surrounding towns every night.

"We haven’t had any in about a month or so," Mezyk said. "The last group we located, attempted to stop, and they fled with total disregard for safety."

Police have contacted surrounding agencies and provided them with information. Similar incidents have been reported throughout the suburbs, including in Mokena where a 15-year-old was charged after he was seen on home security footage entering a garage and unlocked car holding what appeared to a handgun.

Mezyk said police continue to investigate these crimes, but the offenders often show up in stolen cars from other jurisdictions, so there is "little to go on."

Police continue to advise residents to lock their cars, shut garage doors and remove keys from cars.