Briefs: Bartlett break-in alert

Bartlett police are warning residents to keep car doors and homes secured after a rash of break-ins in recent weeks. Sgt. Charles Snider said in two recent incidents, police found muddy footprints inside. Neither home was properly secured, he said. The first incident was on April 26 on the 200 block of Jarvey Lane, but nothing was taken. The other was Thursday on the 200 block of Crest Avenue, where a camera and purse were taken from a counter, Snider said. Authorities are unsure if the two are connected. Police are also investigating a series of vehicle break-ins where cell phones, GPS units and MP3 players were taken. Most times the vehicles' doors weren't locked, Snider said. Snider is asking the public to lock garage doors, close blinds and keep valuables out of sight. Valuables should be removed from cars, and motorists should park in well-lit areas. Call 911 to report any suspicious activity.

School tightens security

Palatine High School will have an increased police presence through today after a threatening message was found Wednesday in a bathroom stall, Principal Gary Steiger said in a message posted on the school's Web site. The threat is not believed to be credible and school is in session as normal, with access to the building restricted to the main entrance, Steiger said. Anyone with information about the identity of the person who left the threat is asked to contact Steiger.

Route 59 crackdown set

Illinois State Police and numerous law enforcement agencies will participate in a traffic crackdown today along the Route 59 corridor from Joliet to Hoffman Estates. Police said they'll aggressively enforce traffic laws to educate the public to the importance of wearing seat belts and driving safely. Participating agencies include police departments from Naperville, Shorewood, Joliet, Plainfield, Aurora, West Chicago, Warrenville, Bartlett, Streamwood and Hoffman Estates, as well as the DuPage and Will county sheriff's departments and Illinois State Police.