Western Springs Police Investigate 13 Car Burglaries and One Car Theft

Crime alert submitted by the Western Springs Police Department.

The Western Springs Police Department is currently investigating 13 separate incidents of car burglaries and one car theft that occurred between Sept. 5 and Oct. 6.

The motor vehicle burglaries are taking place in the early morning hours, and all but one of the targeted vehicles have been
unlocked. The following is a brief overview of this crime trend:

• Sept. 5, 2014 - car burglary was reported on the 5400 block of Woodland Avenue. The vehicle was parked, unlocked, inside the complainant’s garage. An unknown offender(s) took a Garmin “Nuvi” GPS device.
• Sept. 18, 2014 - car burglary reported on the 4000 block of Central Avenue. The vehicle was parked, unlocked, in the complainant’s driveway. An unknown offender(s) took a set of golf clubs.
• Sept. 18, 2014 - a car burglary was reported on the 1000 block of Longmeadow Lane. The vehicle was parked, unlocked, in the complainant’s driveway. An unknown offender(s) took a purse that contained cash cash, credit cards and personal identification.
• Sept. 21, 2014 - a car theft was reported on the 5000 block of Fair Elms Avenue. The motor vehicle theft occurred when an unknown offender(s) entered through an unlocked door and found the owner’s purse on the front seat. The purse contained cash, credit cards, personal identification and keys to the vehicle.
• Sept. 22, 2014 – a car burglary was reported on the 5600 block of Ridgewood Drive. The vehicle was parked, unlocked, in the complainant’s driveway. An unknown offender(s) entered the vehicle and took a set of golf clubs, golf balls and $25.00 in coins.
• Sept. 24, 2014 - a car burglary was reported on the 4300 block of Woodland Avenue. The vehicle was parked, unlocked, in the complainant’s driveway. An unknown offender(s) took a purse that contained cash, credit cards and personal identification.
• Sept. 28, 2014 - a car burglary was reported on the 5000 block of Lawn Avenue. The vehicle was parked, unlocked, in the complainant’s driveway. An unknown offender(s) took a purse that contained credit cards and $500 cash.
• Sept. 28, 2014 - a car burglary was reported on the 1100 block of Longmeadow Lane. Two vehicles were parked, unlocked, in the complainant’s driveway. An unknown offender(s) took a small amount of change from the cup holders of both vehicles.
• Sept. 30, 2014 - a car burglary was reported at 1500 Walker Street. The vehicle was parked in the Recreation Center’s parking lot. An unknown offender(s) entered the vehicle by breaking out the rear passenger side window and removed a purse that contained cash, credit cards and personal identification.
• Oct. 6, 2014 - a car burglary was reported on the 4500 block of Howard Avenue. The vehicle was parked, unlocked, in the complainant’s driveway. An unknown offender(s) took a Garmin GPS device.
• Oct. 6, 2014 - a car burglary was reported on the 4500 block of Howard Avenue. Two vehicles were parked, both unlocked, in the complainant’s driveway. An unknown offender(s) entered both vehicles but nothing was missing to date.
• Oct. 6, 2014 - two car burglaries were reported on the 4500 block of Franklin Avenue. Both vehicles were parked, unlocked, in the complainant’s driveway. An unknown offender(s) entered both vehicles but nothing was missing to date.
• Oct. 6, 2014 - a car burglary was reported on the 4700 block of Lawn Avenue. The vehicle was parked, unlocked, in the complainant’s driveway. An unknown offender(s) took a Garmin GPS device.

Don’t be an easy target:

• 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.

Be a good neighbor:

• A person looking into parked vehicles may be looking for a vehicle to steal or valuables left in plain view inside.
• The sound of breaking glass or car alarm could mean a vehicle break-in.
• Any vehicle without lights at night, cruising slowly, or following a course that seems aimless or repetitive is suspicious in any location. Occupants may be “casing” for a burglary.
• A person walking around pulling on car door handles may be looking for unlocked vehicles to steal from.

Residents are encouraged to call 9-1-1 immediately about any suspicious activity or persons.

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