Man charged in Kane County forest preserve burlgary

Kane County Forest Preserve District Police have arrested a man suspected in one of a recent string of vehicle burglaries in local forest preserves.

Miguel A. Gonzalez, 28, of the 400 block of Franklin Boulevard in Elgin, was arrested Monday on charges of burglary to a motor vehicle, according to police. Police initially stopped Gonzalez on a traffic violation, but discovered several purses in his vehicle. At the time, officers were seeking suspects in a vehicle burglary that had just occurred at the Jon J. Duerr Forest Preserve in South Elgin. Police are investigating where Gonzalez obtained the purses in his vehicle.

Forest preserve officials said more than 20 “smash and grab” burglaries have occurred in local preserves the past few months. Big Rock, Fitchie Creek in Elgin, Fox River Bluff West in St. Charles and Raceway Woods in Carpentersville have all experienced vehicle break-ins. Preserves and parks in Kane, DuPage, Lake, McHenry and Cook counties have all seen a recent increase in such crimes, officials said.

Kane County Forest District Police have increased patrols and surveillance for suspicious activities in response to the incidents. Signs advising patrons of the recent crimes have also been posted at the preserves.

Officials advise people to not leave wallets, purses, cash or other valuables in plain sight within their vehicles when visiting the preserves. If valuables must be brought to the preserves, they should be locked in the trunk of the vehicle, officials said.

While in the preserves, patrons should stick to the trails and walk or run with a companion and a cellphone in case of emergency.