7 Car Break-ins in 16 Days: Cops

New Lenox police are asking for the public’s help in identifying a suspect captured on surveillance footage during a car burglary this month.

Seven burglaries to vehicles have been reported since Dec. 1, all occurring in the Wildwood and Grand Prairie subdivisions. The suspect is believed to target vehicles with unlocked doors, between the hours of 9 p.m. and 6 a.m..

The New Lenox Police Department is asking residents to report any suspicious activity immediately by calling 9-1-1. You may also contact the police department at the non- emergency number 815-485-2500 or submit anonymous crime tip at 815-462-6111.

Also, follow these tips to help prevent vehicle break-ins, which could lead to theft of the vehicle itself or of property items from the vehicle.

• LOCK YOUR CAR DOORS.
• Park in your garage, if you have one. Don’t leave your vehicle on the street, or on your driveway. If you have to park on a street, avoid dark or isolated areas.
• Don’t leave spare keys in your vehicle. An experienced thief knows all the hiding places. Store spare keys in your wallet.
• Install an alarm system that will sound when someone attempts to break in, move, tilt, or start your vehicle. Always activate the system when leaving the vehicle.
• Check your vehicle if you hear the alarm sound. But don’t try to stop a person attempting to break in. Get a good description of the person and call the police.
• Never leave any contents or valuables in plain sight. Remove cellular phones, audio systems, computers, packages, sport equipment, cameras, purses, etc. Lock them in the trunk before you park or take them with you.
• Etch your driver’s license number on all removable valuable items, e.g., audio equipment. Also etch the number on various places on the vehicle itself.