Armed Robbery In Garage Of Winnetka Home

WINNETKA, IL — One or more people stole a car from a Winnetka resident after suggesting a weapon, and police believe it is related to a rash of burglaries targeting unlocked cars on the North Shore, police said.

Shortly after 10:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 18 a resident in the 300 block of Euclid Avenue called police to report an armed robbery, according to police. The resident had been in the garage when an unknown person or persons entered the garage and confronted the resident.

An intruder implied having a weapon and demanded car keys. The resident handed them over, and the suspect or suspects drove away in the stolen car, according to Winnetka Police Cmdr. Brian O'Connell. (Get Patch real-time email alerts for the latest news for Winnetka — or your community. And iPhone users: Check out Patch's new app.)

Because of the sensitive nature of the investigation, O'Connell said he was unable to describe the charges or specify the number, apparent gender or any other description of any suspects.

The robber or robbers did not force their way into the garage, O'Connell said. It appears that this incident is related to a pattern of thefts whereby groups of juveniles work as a team to check door handles of parked vehicles in order to rummage through unlocked vehicles looking for keys and garage door openers left behind for a easy stolen car.

The vehicle stolen from Winnetka was later recovered in a neighboring town and two juveniles were arrested in connection with the incident, according to police.

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