Thefts On Rise In New Lenox: Crime Blotter

NEW LENOX, IL - The New Lenox Police Department reports the following criminal activity occurred in the later part of December. The following information was furnished to Patch on Monday by New Lenox Police officials:

Dec. 18

• An officer was dispatched to the Metra Station in reference to a vandalism. The officer met with the complainant who advised that someone spray-painted graffiti on the building.
• An officer was dispatched to the 1900 block of Heatherway Lane in reference to a vandalism. The officer met with the complainant who advised that someone foam-sealed several mailboxes.

Dec. 19

• An officer was dispatched to the Murphy Oil Gas Station in reference to a drive off. The officer met with the complainant who advised that someone pumped over $30 worth of gas into a vehicle and drove off without attempting to pay.
• The officer was dispatched to the Murphy Oil Gas Station in reference to a drive off. The officer met with the complainant who advised that someone pumped over $28 worth of gas into a vehicle and drove off without attempting to pay.
• An officer was dispatched to Target in reference to a retail theft complaint. The complainant advised that the offender, Bertha Guzman, 54, of the 200 block of Davison Street, Joliet, stole over $260 worth of various merchandise from the store. Guzman was transported to the NLPD. Guzman posted bond and was released.

Dec. 20

An officer was dispatched to Walmart in reference to a retail theft complaint. The complainant advised that the offender, Rebecca Lawson, 40, no known address, took a garbage can from inside the store, brought it to customer service, and conducted a $22 cash return. Lawson was located in the vicinity of the store and taken into custody. Lawson was charged with felony retail theft based on prior theft charges. Lawson was transferred to the Will County Adult Detention Facility.

Dec. 21

An officer was dispatched to Edmonds Avenue in reference to an identity theft. The officer met with the complainant who advised that fraudulently opened a Visa Credit Card account using their personal information.

Dec. 22

• The officer was dispatched to the 2300 block of Cattlemen Drive in reference to an identity theft. The officer met with the complainant who advised that someone fraudulently ordered two cell phones on their Verizon account using their personal information.
• An officer was dispatched in reference to a Credit Card Fraud. The officer met with the complainant who advised that someone fraudulently purchased over $4,200 worth of electronics from a Best Buy store, located out of state, using their credit card information.
• An officer was on patrol and observed a vehicle speeding. The officer conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle and met with the driver, Gregory Hucksold, 44, of Channahon. The officer learned that Hucksold had a suspended driver’s license. Hucksold was taken into custody and transported to the NLPD. Hucksold posted bond and was released.

Dec. 23

• An officer was on patrol and observed a vehicle speeding. The officer conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle and met with the driver, Lakisha Carter, 35, of the 300 block of 3rd Avenue, Joliet. The officer learned that Carter had a suspended driver’s license. Carter was taken into custody and transported to the NLPD. Carter posted bond and was released.
• An officer was dispatched to TJMaxx in reference to a retail theft complaint. The officer met with the complainant who advised that four subjects stole over $700 worth of merchandise from the store and fled.

Mugshot of Bertha Guzman via New Lenox Police Department