5 Cars Burglarized In Grasmere Subdivision

MOKENA, IL - A string of car break-ins were reported in the Grasmere subdivision of Mokena early Wednesday morning. Police say five reports were made on Stonehenge Drive, Trenton Way and Giles Drive between 4 a.m. and 7 a.m. on June 6.

"In most cases the cars were unlocked," Mokena Police Chief Steve Vaccaro said.

One car was entered by force, according to Vaccaro. In that case, the burglar broke a window to get inside and steal a purse and wallet that were left in plain view of outside the car.

A cup of change was stolen from one of the unlocked cars, Vaccaro said. Nothing of value was taken from the others.

While car burglary reports aren't made often in Mokena, police in every municipality are urging residents to lock their cars, not leave valuables in plain sigh and, if possible, park cars in garages.

The cars targeted by the Mokena burglar Wednesday morning were all parked either on the street or in driveways. RELATED: Car Break-Ins Continue To Plague Frankfort

Mokena police in particular have enacted a "Lock it or Lose it" campaign which also seeks residents help in reducing the number of car burglaries made by asking them to report suspicious activity immediately.

"We are asking residents to help us and help themselves by locking their doors and taking their valuables with them as they leave their cars," Vacarro said.

Patch file photo / Tim Moran