Cook Co. briefs

Man charged in burglary:

A Roselle man has been charged with burglary and criminal damage to property for a New Year's Eve theft at the Harvest Bible Church in Rolling Meadows, police said. Kevin M. Counter, 35, was arrested after he tried to take a computer from the church, at 800 Rohlwing Road, police said. Counter was found by a group of teens who were taking part in a lock-in with a youth pastor. The teens detained Counter until police arrived. He was arrested and put into the back of a squad car. Police said after Counter was detained, he kicked out the back door window of the squad car and fled on foot, still handcuffed. Police found him a few hundred years away. Bond was set at $35,000. His next court date is Jan. 30.

Buffalo Grove homes robbed:

Two homes in Buffalo Grove were robbed of jewelry Saturday evening. Both incidents occurred on the 800 block of Marseilles Circle. In the first burglary, officers responded to an alarm at 6:15 p.m. after the front door of the home had been forced open. The second burglary occurred between 6 and 7:50 p.m. The residents found the rear sliding door open, and jewelry was missing from the bedroom. Police Cmdr. Steve Husak said the burglaries are similar to ones earlier this year, where jewelry and cash instead of large electronics were targeted. Police are urging residents to report any strange activity in their neighborhoods.

Assessment advice offered:

Maine Township, in conjunction with the Cook County Board of Review, will host a forum to inform homeowners on how they can determine whether their property is over-assessed at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 7, at Maine Township Hall, 1700 Ballard Rd., Park Ridge. Maine Township Assessor Tom Rueckert will lead the session and Board of Review representatives will accept appeals. People should bring a copy of their 2007 real estate tax bill. For questions or assistance, contact Maine Township Deputy Assessor Liz Coy at (847) 297-2510 or visit mainetownship.com.