North Aurora warns about car burglaries

North Aurora police said Thursday there’s been a pattern of car burglaries on the west side.

Seven have been reported since Nov. 19 in the Timber Oaks, Highlands and RCA subdivisions, according to a statement from Deputy Chief Scott Buziecki.

All happened at night, and the vehicles were parked outside. In all but one case, valuables were left in the car. In four cases, the thief used a rock or brick to break a window.

In two cases, a car alarm sounded, once at 2:50 a.m. and the other at 4 a.m.

Items taken were an iPhone, two wallets and four purses.

The burglaries happened Nov. 19 in the 300 block of Harmony Drive, Nov. 20 in the 600 block of Birchwood Drive and the 0-99 block of North Cherrytree Court, Nov. 23 in the 200 block of Abbeywood Lane, and Monday in the 300 block of Basswood Drive and the 600 block of Princeton Drive.

“Generally, burglars won’t force entry unless they know there is a good chance valuables are present,” Buziecki said. “If they can’t see anything, they’ll usually move on.”

He said thieves will try door handles, and if they find an unlocked vehicle, they’ll check glove compartments and consoles for valuables.

The police suggest parking in your garage with the door closed. If you can’t do that, at least remove valuables and lock the doors.