Swastikas Found Near Place Of Worship: Northbrook Blotter

NORTHBROOK, IL — Swastikas were found drawn on a sidewalk near a Northbrook place of worship this week, according to police.

Staff at the location on the 3400 block of Walters Avenue reported Aug. 18 that someone had drawn the symbols near the parking lot.

It was among several incidents recently reported by Northbrook police.

The following information comes from the Northbrook Police Department and court records. Criminal charges are accusations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Updated case information may be available from the Cook County Clerk of the Circuit Court.

More Than $1 Million Stolen In Phone Scam

A Northbrook business reported Aug. 18 that more than $1 million was stolen after someone posing as a bank fraud representative obtained account passcodes.

The victim received several calls from someone claiming there was a problem with the business account and provided the requested passcodes. The victim later discovered large amounts of money missing from multiple accounts and contacted the bank.

Rolex Watches Stolen From Locked Lockers

Two people told police Aug. 18 that items were stolen from locked lockers in the men's locker room of a fitness center on the 1100 block of Skokie Boulevard.

One victim reported a Rolex valued at $25,500 stolen. The other reported a $9,234 Rolex, $200 in cash and a credit card missing. Staff did not know how the offender was able to get into the lockers while leaving them locked, police said.

Fraud And Identity Theft

On Aug. 14, a resident reported receiving a call from someone claiming to work for a fraud department after the resident had recently made an online purchase. The caller said the victim's information had been hacked and requested a Social Security number and banking information. The victim provided the information and later discovered an unauthorized PayPal charge and money missing from a bank account.

Also Aug. 14, a Northbrook business reported that an email account had been hacked and an offender directed one of its clients to wire $229,402 to another account. Staff discovered the takeover and were working with the bank to reverse the transfer.

A resident reported that someone used their personal information to open two credit cards and charged $47,600 to them.

On Aug. 16, a resident reported someone had ordered 150 checks through her bank using a business account. The checks were sent to University Park, and the victim subsequently discovered money being withdrawn from the account.

That same day, residents reported their airline mileage account had been hacked and a substantial number of points were redeemed for gift cards sent to an unknown location.

On Aug. 17, a resident received a call from someone claiming to represent American Express who said her card had been used to buy firearms in New York. The victim, who did not have an American Express card, was directed to call a number purportedly belonging to New York police. Three people claiming to be officers then demanded a video call and asked her to display her Illinois driver's license. She determined the calls were a scam, though the callers continued contacting her.

Police also received reports Aug. 18 involving an unauthorized $1,392 insurance payment from a bank account, a fraudulent $2,052 student loan and an unauthorized Verizon account that resulted in a $300 collection notice.

Vehicle Burglaries And Damage

A resident's surveillance camera recorded someone trying to open a Hyundai parked in a driveway during the early morning hours of Aug. 16. The person was unsuccessful and left in a waiting vehicle.

Later that morning, residents on the 2900 blocks of Lilac Lane and Lake Placid Lane reported someone had entered vehicles parked overnight in their driveways and rummaged through them. Nothing appeared to have been stolen.

Police received additional reports Aug. 18 of unlocked vehicles being entered at several locations around Northbrook. Some victims reported coins missing.

A resident also reported headphones valued at $40 stolen from a Hyundai during the overnight hours of Aug. 15.

In separate criminal-damage reports, a Porsche was found with a dent and scratches Aug. 14, while an Acura owner found a small knife embedded in a flat tire Aug. 17.

Retail Theft

Two women entered a sporting goods store on the 200 block of Skokie Boulevard on Aug. 17, grabbed several items from the men's clothing section and attempted to leave without paying, police said.

When employees tried to stop them, the women forced their way past staff and fled.

Fleeing And Eluding

An officer attempted to stop a blue Toyota with a defective headlight near Willow and Pfingsten roads shortly before 10:20 p.m. Aug. 19.

As the vehicle entered a parking lot, police said it accelerated, nearly struck two vehicles and fled at a high speed while committing multiple lane violations. It was last seen heading south on Pfingsten Road.

Traffic Charges

Emonie A. Garner, of Chicago, was charged Aug. 14 with driving with a suspended license, suspended registration and operating an uninsured vehicle after a traffic stop near Dundee Road and Western Avenue. A Sept. 8 court date was scheduled.

Julio A. Flores-Espinosa, of Mount Prospect, was charged Aug. 16 with driving with a suspended license following a stop on Dundee Road. A Sept. 8 court date was scheduled.

Emerson Pierre, of Wheeling, was charged Aug. 18 with speeding, having no valid driver's license, expired registration and operating an uninsured vehicle after police said he was clocked at 65 mph in a 50-mph zone near Dundee Road and Milwaukee Avenue. A Sept. 2 court date was scheduled.

Destiny E. Foreman, of Evanston, was charged Aug. 19 with suspended registration and operating an uninsured vehicle following a traffic stop near Dundee Road and Skokie Boulevard. A Sept. 8 court date was scheduled.

LAST TIME: $100K Rolex Stolen In Jewelry Ruse, $10K Theft Charge: Northbrook Blotter