Mokena Police Offer 'TLC' Approach To Prevent Car Burglaries

MOKENA, IL - Burglaries from vehicles parked throughout the Lincoln-Way area have been on the rise this summer, with most of the incidents reported involving cars that were left unlocked overnight. The Mokena Police Department, which has already published a "Lock it or Lose it" campaign on the village of Mokena website, has sent out another reminder to help residents avoid becoming a victim of this.

In this plea, police ask residents to be the "eyes and ears" for their neighbors and others in the community and offer a "TLC" approach to avoid becoming a victim. Here's a look at the full plea below:

"Mokena Police are asking you to team up with them to help proactively deter burglaries from
parked vehicles throughout the community.

The Lincoln-Way area has experienced an increase in the number of these types of crimes recently, most frequently by out-of-area suspects during overnight hours. The common denominator in most of these vehicle burglaries is an unlocked vehicle parked in a driveway or on the street with valuables left out in clear view for would-be thieves. In some cases, the vehicle keys or a proximity fob have been left inside the unlocked vehicle, resulting in the vehicle being stolen. Open, unsecured garage doors additionally invite criminal activity.

Police are encouraging you to help prevent these types of crimes by being “eyes and ears” for your neighbors and the community at large. If you see suspicious activity in your neighborhood, call 911. Descriptions of suspicious people and their clothing, along with vehicle descriptions and license plates, are extremely helpful.

Proactive overnight patrols are conducted by Mokena Police personnel on a regular basis, using
both marked and unmarked vehicles. You can help them deter potential crimes by practicing the
following T-L-C steps with your car, truck, or other vehicle:

Take out valuables
Lock your vehicle
Close your windows and sun/moon roof

The above steps take only a few short moments, and can help prevent you from becoming a
victim of crime.

Have additional questions regarding how you can partner with Mokena Police to make the
community safer? Contact them at 708-479-3912."

Patch file photo / Tim Moran