Crews of Auto Thieves, Burglars Have Police on Alert

WILMETTE, IL — Police are warning residents about a rash of auto thefts and burglaries being committed by "crews" around North Shore communities, including a car-jacking last week that began in unincorporated Des Plaines.

"Crews that the Wilmette Police Department has identified and arrested in connection with auto thefts and auto burglaries in the Village have morphed into committing street robberies and car-jackings," according to a police alert. "These have occurred in some nearby suburbs over the last few weeks. "

The most recent incident happened Wednesday, Aug. 10, when four men armed with handguns hijacked a vehicle in unincorporated Des Plaines and led police on a chase. Wilmette police spotted the vehicle at about 10:58 p.m. and pursued the suspects until the chase was called off at Interstate 94 and California Avenue because of the speeds being reached, police say.

"Although the Village has not experienced robberies associated with this crew, it is important to recognize that we have had contact with them committing auto thefts and auto burglaries in the Village first by way of the 'el' train, but more recently by using stolen automobiles to commit crimes in our west side neighborhoods," the police alert stated.

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Police warn residents to be cautious from 8 to 11 p.m. around shopping centers and gas stations, as well as leaving or returning home around those late evening hours.

"If you are confronted—do not resist—contact the police as soon as it is safe to do so," the alert stated. "Please report suspicious persons or vehicles that you may observe in the area."

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