Elgin police see spike in burglaries
Last Tuesday afternoon an 18-year-old Elgin resident left home to pick up his younger brother and returned to find three men scattering from his house in all directions, according to police.
A responding officer found that the suspects likely entered the home on the 100 block of Bellevue Avenue through an unlocked bedroom window and made off with some of the family’s electronics during the 10 minute period the 18-year-old was gone.
A day later a burglar broke into a home on the 400 block of North Alfred in Elgin through a basement window and stole a jewelry box and change drawer.
Elgin police have taken notice of the 22 percent spike in city burglaries from January through October compared to the same period in 2010, and are urging residents to be vigilant as the holiday season approaches.
“Burglaries are up by 22 percent,” said Elgin Police Chief Jeff Swoboda. “That’s cause for some concern, but with residents’ help, I believe we can moderate that number within the next few months.”
According to Elgin records, there have been 453 reported burglaries so far this year. Victims reported 69 of those in October. From Jan. 1 through the end of October 2010, there were 370 total.
Year-to-date statistics show total crime down nearly 17 percent in the city and serious crime such as robbery, sexual assault and motor vehicle theft down more than 14 percent despite the jump in burglaries.
“Some burglaries are crimes of opportunity and some burglaries are premeditated, but in either case, it’s important that residents know how to protect themselves,” Swoboda said.
Some suggestions from Elgin poilice on how to avoid break-ins:
Set a light on an automatic timer while away
Forward landlines to your cellphone when you are away
Put a radio on a timer to make noise
Have a friend or a neighbor bring in the mail if you will be away for more than a day
Draw your curtains
Lock all doors and windows
Keep store purchases out of sight if they are inside your car
Park in a well-lit are where others can see you