Thieves Target Western Springs Cars

Western Springs police are currently investigating three motor vehicle burglaries, including one reported vehicle theft.

• 5400 block Woodland Avenue - Between 5 p.m. Sept. 5 and 5 p.m. Sept. 6, someone entered an unlocked car and removed a GPS that was in plain view in the Forest Hills area.
• 1000 block of Longmeadow Lane - Sometime between 10 p.m. Sept. 18 and noon Sept. 19 in the Woodridge area offenders entered an unlocked vehicle and ripped off a purse containing various amounts of cash, credit cards and ID in the Ridgewood area.
• 4000 block of Central Avenue - Thieves entered an unlocked car in the Old Town area between 10 p.m. Sept. 18 and noon Sept. 19 and stole golf clubs.

Also, between 9:30 p.m. Sept. 20 and midnight Sept. 21, in the 5000 block of Fair Elms Ave in the Forest Hills area, someone swiped a vehicle. Police said the crook entered through an unlocked door and gained access to the owner’s purse that was left on the front seat. The purse contained various amounts of cash, credit cards, personal ID and keys to the vehicle.

If anyone has any information regarding these crimes, please contact the Western Springs Investigations Division at (708) 246-8540.

Police offer the following safety tips to help residents avoid becoming a crime statistic:

• Keep all vehicle doors and windows closed and locked at all times, even during quick errands. Lock the trunk, hatchback or tailgate to block access into your vehicle. Close all vents or wing windows and sunroofs. Always take your keys with you.
• If your vehicle has a built in security system, use it. If you don’t have a security system installed, it is worth the investment. It may also qualify you for a discount on your auto insurance. Remove visible items (cash, wallet, purse, MP3 players, IPods and cell phones) from the vehicle or place them in the trunk. If you leave items visible in your vehicle, you are a target. Don’t forget that GPS system, as these portable devices are targets, too.
• Park your vehicle in an area that is visible to the public and well-lit at night. If possible, park your vehicle in the garage. If garage parking is not available, park your vehicle in the driveway and install motion-sensor security lighting on your home.

A person looking into a vehicle could be looking to steal items inside or the vehicle itself. Cars driving without lights at night could be casing cars or homes to burglarize. Be a nosy neighbor. If you hear breaking glass or a car alarm, or suspect activity, call 911.