Burglars Unwrap Christmas Gifts, Steal Van: Police

Burglars unwrapped Christmas presents and stole a van while a family was at church, one of several residential burglaries and attempted break-ins currently being investigated by Oak Lawn police.

The latest incident happened between 4 and 9 p.m. Dec. 23 in the 4600 block of West 106th Street.

• Also on Patch: Oak Lawn Police Issue Community Alert After Burglaries

According to the police report, when the family returned home, the homeowner noticed the bathroom and dining room windows open and the screens no longer attached.

When the homeowner went to the basement, he observed numerous Christmas gives that had been unwrapped. The homeowner believed that only two pairs of compressive shorts for his son were missing.

• Also on Patch: Another Attempted Residential Burglary Reported in Oak Lawn

As the homeowner was being interviewed by police, the homeowner realized that his 2003 Dodge Caravan had been stolen. The homeowner said the van contained equipment for his job as a firefighter. A jar of change was also reported missing.

Special attention was placed on the home.

Oak Lawn police continue to investigate the spate of residential burglaries and attempted burglaries that have occurred since October.

According to police, the burglaries share the following patterns:

• Force was used in all of the incidents.
• Burglaries occurred between 8 a.m. and 10:30 p.m.
• Days of occurrence have been Tuesday through Saturday.
• The most common day for the burglars to strike has been Friday, between 4 and 10 p.m.
• Several of the burglaries have happened when residents were away from home for only a few hours.

Anyone with useful information related to these criminal acts is asked to contact Oak Lawn police at 708-422-8292.

If you notice suspicious activity of any kind, including persons or cars not normally in your neighborhood, call 911. You won’t be bothering police.

Residents who are leaving for any amount of time should take the following precautions to safeguard their homes:

• Check as you are leaving for any suspicious subjects or vehicles near your home for individuals casing the area for targets.
• Put lights on timers to make home appear as if someone is in the home.
• Have trusted neighbors keep an eye on home for suspicious activity if you will be away from home for extended time period.

Check the Oak Lawn Police Department’s crime alerts for more tips for avoiding becoming a burglary victim.