Crime & Safety

City Issues Crime Alert After Home Burglaries

Burglars were able to enter unlocked vehicles, then use the garage door opener to enter the home.

The following information is from the City of Highland Park in reaction to a string of recent home burglaries:

In the early morning hours of July 1, 2014, the Highland Park Police Department arrested three individuals who over the past several months have committed numerous residential burglaries, many motor vehicle burglaries and several auto thefts. The keys to their success were their ability to enter unlocked vehicles left in the driveway of the home, activate the garage door opener and enter the home through unlocked inside garage doors to the residence.

These incidents are often crimes of opportunity. The frequency in which they occur can be reduced with sound, safe practices. The Police Department strongly encourages the following with regards to protecting yourself from becoming a victim of these opportunistic crimes:

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  • Always lock your vehicle.
  • Remove all items of value from vehicles when parked for the night.
  • Consider motion activated outdoor lighting or lighting on timers.
  • Consider car alarms.
  • Keep garage doors closed and secured, including the interior access door to your home.
  • At a minimum, items should be taken with you or placed out of view when leaving vehicles unattended at any location at any time of the day.
  • Never leave your keys inside, regardless of how long or short of time you will be away from your car.

Popular items for theft include: phones, computers, purses, money (particularly change), sunglasses, and GPS units.

The Police Department asks community members to please be diligent in reporting any suspicious persons or behavior. To report suspicious activity or file a police report, please dial (847) 432-7730. To report any police or fire emergency, dial 9-1-1.

Find out what's happening in Highland Parkwith free, real-time updates from Patch.


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