Five arrested in Rolling Meadows car burglaries

Rolling Meadows police have arrested five people in connection with a rash of car burglaries on the west side of town, but the problem has relocated to a central area of the city.

During the past two weeks, residents reported several vehicle burglaries in the area between Route 53 and Quentin Road, Cmdr. Tom Gadomski said.

After investigating the cases, the police department arrested 18-year-old Angel Rodriguez, of the 1800 block of Taft Avenue, and four juvenile suspects from Rolling Meadows and Palatine in connection with 10 burglaries, Gadomski said.

Rodriguez is charged with theft. The juvenile suspects have been charged with offenses including theft, vehicle burglary and criminal trespassing, Gadomski said.

Investigators used home video surveillance and interviews to make the arrests. Stolen items included a purse, GPS system and money.

Meanwhile, a new series of vehicle burglaries has started in the central area of the city between Central and Kirchoff roads during the past week, Gadomski said. Police are searching for the burglars.

Police are urging residents to lock their doors, turn on outdoor lights and bring valuables inside the house.

“Each and every one of these cars were unlocked,” Gadomski said. “We cannot stress enough: Lock the car. This is a crime of opportunity.”