Campton HIlls Police warn of car burglars

Using a new e-mail alert system, Campton Hills police Thursday issued a community warning about several recent vehicle burglaries.

Chief Greg Anderson said belongings were reported stolen from three vehicles in separate parts of the village Tuesday night. The incidents happened in the areas of Niko's Lodge along Route 64, and Campton Meadow and Fair Oaks drives.

"I can't even say they're tied together because they're fairly spread apart," Anderson said. "But it's getting that time of year when kids are getting out and everything else. I thought it was time to remind residents (of safety precautions)."

Police said all three burglaries had two things in common: They involved unlocked vehicles and valuable items in plain sight.

Residents are encouraged and reminded to lock their houses and vehicles at night, to store valuables in a trunk, console or glove box, and to park in lighted areas, if possible, Anderson said.

"Generally, (vehicle burglars) are younger males, 14 to 20," he wrote in the e-mail. "Many times they will 'sweep' an entire neighborhood and check every car they have access to."

So far, about 300 residents are receiving regular police dispatches such as the one sent Thursday through the e-mail system, which Anderson instituted earlier this year. But the chief said he hopes more people will sign up.

Citizens can sign up to receive crime alerts and other information about general goings-on in the department at the police section of the village Web site, villageofcamptonhills.org.