Brazen burglars strike in Rolling Meadows, Buffalo Grove

Two Northwest suburban towns are warning against a rash of residential burglaries.

Buffalo Grove and Rolling Meadows are both reporting a total of about 30 burglaries since November.

In at least some of the cases in Rolling Meadows, residents were home at the time of the burglaries.

Buffalo Grove police Cmdr. Steve Husak said the last incidents in town were on Jan. 10. In one case, a homeowner found a window slightly open, and another resident found muddy footprints in the house and her dog locked in the master bedroom.

He said the burglars have struck in 18 incidents when nobody is home, during the afternoon and evening.

"They know something about their habits, about when they come and go," he said. "We want people to be aware. If they see something, call us right away."

He said the entry and exits in Buffalo Grove are similar, where the side windows have been forced open, for example, and small items, such as jewelry and smaller electronics, are taken.

Although Buffalo Grove police have made some burglary arrests recently, those aren't connected to the majority of the burglaries in town.

"We advise people to make sure they lock their doors and windows," he said. "We want to make it as hard as possible for someone to break into your home."

Husak recommends strong doors and locks that make it harder to break in and would create noise if a burglar were trying to get in.

Rolling Meadows police have put out fliers to warn residents. They said the 13 incidents -- nine residential and four vehicles in garages -- have occurred in the area west of Route 53.

"We're taking it very seriously and are diligent in going door to door with these flier," Sgt. Tony Gaspari said. "We wanted to make sure everyone was aware of what was going on."

The fliers warn residents to keep the house and garage doors locked and report any suspicious vehicles or people in the area.

Police said the incidents have all occurred after dark, and women's purses, cash and small electronic devices have been taken.

Police don't believe the Rolling Meadows and Buffalo Grove cases are related.

To report information to police in Rolling Meadows, call (847) 870-9077. In Buffalo Grove, call (847) 459-2560.