Naperville Police offer advice to avoid vehicle burglaries

So far this year, nearly 450 motor vehicle burglaries have been reported to the Naperville Police Department. 49 of these burglaries occurred during the month of September. Most of these crimes occurred in residential neighborhoods, and the majority of the vehicles were left unlocked and unattended. Items taken from these vehicles included cash (coins), cell phones, GPS units, music devices, laptop computers, wallets, and purses. Credit cards taken in motor vehicle burglaries typically can be used to make unauthorized purchases before the owner even knows they have fallen victim.

The Naperville Police Department needs the help of the public in reducing the chances of vehicle burglaries occurring. A few simple guidelines to prevent or reduce the likelihood that your vehicle will become a target of crime include:

Lock all your car doors and make sure family members do the same. Check the door handle twice before you walk away.

When away from home, park in well-lit, busy areas of the parking lot.

Take all valuables out of your car. Put packages and other items in the trunk. Don't leave change, CDs, cell phones and other items in plain view to tempt would-be thieves.

If you park your car in your driveway when at home, don't leave a garage door opener or house keys in the car and don't forget to lock the doors.

Be alert for suspicious activity in parking lots and in your neighborhood and call the police department if you observe anything out of the ordinary.

Call 911 immediately to report ANY suspicious or unusual activity. Be prepared to provide vehicle (color, make, model, plate) and suspect (gender, race, and clothing) information.

If your vehicle is burglarized, call the police department immediately, and avoid touching anything until the police have had a chance to search for evidence.

The above information is being provided in an effort to help keep the community safe and crime free during this upcoming holiday season. If you need additional information on other crime prevention issues, please contact Community Service Officer Zarine Hussain – Crime Prevention, at 630-305-7061.