2 charged in Naperville burglary spree
Naperville police say they've arrested two men they believe are responsible for numerous vehicle burglaries this summer, but car owners should not let their guard down.
Between May and July, police said about 200 vehicles were burglarized in the city. In more than 150 of those cases, however, thieves did little more than open unlocked doors and help themselves.
A high number of the burglaries occurred between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. in residential parking lots or driveways.
"Whether in your driveway or at the grocery store, we're telling people they need to lock their doors," Cmdr. Dave Hoffman said Wednesday. "People feel that leaving the doors open will prevent thieves from smashing their windows to get what they want, but why give them a free shot?"
Police also are asking people to remove their valuables from their cars before leaving the vehicle unattended.
Of the stolen items recovered, Hoffman said, a majority were electronic devices such as GPS systems, phones and DVD players.
On July 11, police arrested Naperville resident Darrell G. Bracey, 20, of 511 Springhill Drive. Hoffman said police believe he's responsible for at least 15 of the burglaries. Bracey currently is charged with one count of residential burglary.
On July 22, police arrested 19-year-old Naperville resident Michael A. Chacon, who authorities also believe was involved in some burglaries. Chacon is currently charged with one count of theft not exceeding $300.
Charges also are pending against an 18-year-old Lisle man.
Hoffman said police have identified several "hot spots" where a higher volume of such crimes are occurring, have increased patrols, and are using a variety of patrol tactics and crime prevention initiatives to address and reduce the number of burglaries. He would not indicate where those areas are for fear of disrupting the investigation.
If your car has been burglarized, police ask that you call and report it as soon as possible and that you avoid touching the vehicle before they investigate.