Portillo's Hit By Quick Change Scam: Police Blotter

NEW LENOX, IL - The following information was furnished by the New Lenox Police Department regarding some of the criminal activity investigated around the community during the past week.

Jan. 14

An officer was on patrol and observed a vehicle speeding at 6:52 a.m. at Williams Street and East Lincoln Highway. The officer conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle and met with the driver of the vehicle. The officer also had contact with a passenger in the vehicle, Alexander Rhivers, 23, of Park Forest. During the course of the traffic stop the officer learned that Rhivers had a loaded handgun inside the vehicle. The officer further learned that Rhivers had a valid FOID but did not have a Concealed Carry License. Rhivers was transported to the NLPD and charged with a misdemeanor UUW. Rhivers posted bond and was released.

Jan. 16

The officer was dispatched to the NLPD in reference to a theft by deception complaint. The officer met with the complainant who advised that two males made a purchase then began requesting change for twenty dollar bills. When the males left, the complainant felt they were scammed and checked the register. The complainant learned that the register was subsequently $220 short.

The address of the police call was listed as 2306 East Lincoln Highway, which is the address for the Portillo's Hot Dogs.

Jan. 16:

An officer was dispatched to ReClaim Fitness at 9:29 p.m. in reference to a burglary to motor vehicle complaint. The officer met with the complainant who advised that someone entered their unlocked vehicle while they were inside the facility working out. Taken was one coat containing the victim’s wallet.

Jan. 16:

An officer was dispatched to LA Fitness in reference at 9:54 p.m. for a burglary to motor vehicle complaint. The officer met with the complainant who advised that someone forced entry to their locked vehicle and stole their purse and a backpack. The complainant later called and advised that their backpack had been recovered at an LA Fitness in Skokie where several cars had also been burglarized.

Jan. 17:

An officer was dispatched to Walmart at 3:38 p.m. in reference to a deceptive practice complaint. The officer met with the complainant who advised that a female attempted to cash a fraudulent check. The complainant recognized the check to be fraudulent and the offender fled the scene. Then, at 4:05 p.m. and 4:06 p.m., separate police reports show, an officer was dispatched to Walmart in reference to more deceptive practice complaints. One complainant advised that a female cashed a fraudulent check for $1,067.30. There is mention in the other complaint that a female cashed a fraudulent check for $1,090.76. The reports didn't indicate whether police believe all three checking cashing scams were committed by the same person or the same group of women working together.

Jan. 17:

At 10:50 p.m., an officer was dispatched to Andrea Drive in reference to a deceptive practice complaint. The officer met with the complainant who advised that they were selling an Apple lap top computer on the “Let It Go” app. A male agreed to purchase the computer and a price was agreed upon. The purchaser went to the victim’s house and the transaction took place. After the purchaser left, the victim realized that they were paid with counterfeit currency.

Jan. 19:

At 10:01 a.m., an officer was dispatched to Natural Choices in the 2400 block of East Joliet Highway in reference to a deceptive practice complaint. The officer met with the complainant who advised that a customer paid for a product using a counterfeit $100 bill.

Main image of Portillo's Hot Dogs via Google Maps