Briefs: Police warn of burglars

Buffalo Grove police are urging residents to keep alert for suspicious noises, cars or people after a rash of burglaries. Police said there have been 18 residential burglaries since November. On Thursday, police received reports of an attempted burglary on Palatine Avenue where the homeowner found a small window slightly open. That same day, a resident on Vernon Lane found muddy footprints in the house and her dog locked in the master bedroom. The burglaries have been occurring during the afternoon and evening hours, and thieves have been entering homes through rear and side windows and doors of homes, police said. Jewelry, laptops and cash have been stolen. Buffalo Grove police said the department has increased patrols but officials also are asking residents to remain vigilant.

Candidate forum today

The League of Women Voters from the Arlington Heights and the Palatine Areas will host a candidate forum 10 a.m. on today in the Hendrickson Room of the Arlington Heights Memorial Library, 500 N. Dunton, for the 66th state House primary candidates and the 10th Congressional District primary candidates. Republicans Laura Bartell and Christine Prochno are running against each other in the state representative primary, while Democrats Jay Footlik and Dan Seals are seeking the congressional nomination. The primary is Feb. 5; early voting begins Monday. For more information, go to lwvah.org or lwvpalatinearea.org or call Judith Royal at (847) 259-5838 or Susan Spengler at (847) 359-1736.

Crespo to host public forum

State Rep. Fred Crespo of Hoffman Estates will host a town hall meeting at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday to provide an update on the happenings in Springfield and discuss issues affecting area residents. It's the first in a series of public forums to be held by the Hoffman Estates Democrat. The meeting will take place at the Hanover Park Park District, 1919 Walnut Ave. Call (630) 372-3340 for details.

Democrats to meet today

The Palatine Township Democrats will meet today from 10 a.m. to noon at the Arlington Heights office, 1310 W. Northwest Hwy. Matt Flamm, northwest suburban organizer for Sen. Barack Obama's campaign, will discuss his win of the Iowa caucus through grass-roots organizing. Opportunities are available for suburban residents to get active. Call (847) 776-9818 for more information.