String of Car Burglaries Reported in Western Springs

WESTERN SPRINGS, IL - Western Springs Police are investigating several motor vehicle burglaries and a motor vehicle theft that all occurred between 10 p.m. May 1 and 3 a.m. May 2. Police said the incidents occurred in the northwest and northeast sections of the village, in the 3800 to 3900 blocks of Franklin Avenue and the 4100 to 4200 blocks of Garden Avenue.

Police said they are investigating five motor vehicle burglaries, one motor vehicle theft and one recovered -previously stolen vehicle.

Police said a gray 2007 Toyota Prius was stolen from a driveway in the 3900 block of Franklin Ave. The stolen vehicle was unlocked and the key fob was left inside the vehicle prior to the theft. The vehicle has not been located.

Police said five unlocked vehicles were entered but only one vehicle owner reported an item missing, which was a shipped package. According to police, in each instance, the unknown offender(s) entered vehicles that were left unlocked and parked on residential driveways.

According to police, the abandoned stolen vehicle was located and recovered by officers in the 3900 block of Franklin. The vehicle was a 2001 white Ford Escape that was reported stolen from Chicago.

The police have given the following tips to residents:

• Keep all vehicle doors and windows closed and locked at all times. Lock the trunk, hatchback, or tailgate to block access into your vehicle. Close all windows and sunroof. Never leave keys inside the vehicle.
• If your vehicle has an alarm system - use it. Remove visible items (cash, wallet, purse, etc.) from the vehicle. If you leave visible items in your vehicle, you are a potential target.
• Park your vehicle in an area that is visible to the public. If possible, park your vehicle in a garage.
• Be vigilant, a person looking into parked vehicles may be looking for a vehicle to steal or valuables left in plain view.
• The sound of breaking glass or car alarm could suggest a vehicle burglary.
• Any vehicle without lights at night, driving slowly, or following a course that seems aimless or repetitive is suspicious. Occupants may be "casing" for a burglary or theft.
• A person walking around pulling on car door handles is likely checking for unlocked vehicles to enter.

If anyone has any information regarding these crimes, contact the Western Springs Investigations Division at (708) 246-1800, ext. 158.

Follow the Western Springs Police Department’s Facebook page for any new developments. The Police Department would also like to encourage residents to start a Neighborhood Watch Program in their area. Visit www.nnw.org for more information.

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