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Arlington Heights sees rise in vehicle break-ins

Arlington Heights officials are still warning residents to take precautions to protect their belongings after the village saw a spike in vehicle break-ins this month.

According to police reports, at least 15 car burglaries have been reported so far in August, with items stolen including GPS systems, wallets, iPods and other electronics, clothing and cash. Most of the burglaries took place overnight to cars parked in residential driveways, apartment parking lots or at Metra stations.

In the most recent burglary, reported at 2 p.m. Tuesday, a thief used a baseball-sized rock to shatter the passenger's-side window on a gray 2012 Honda Accord parked in the downtown Metra parking lot. The thief stole a Vera Bradley coin purse, an iPod touch and several CDs from the vehicle.

At least seven of the thefts were out of unlocked cars, while in several others burglars shattered a car window to enter the vehicle.

Police arrested Corey T. Jordan, 17, on Aug. 22 in connection with six of the vehicle burglaries that included shattered windows, Arlington Heights Cmdr. Mike Hernandez said. Police were able to track Jordan down in Lombard after a video of one of the burglaries led to a tip, he said.

Jordan, of Fort Lauderdale, Fla, is charged with burglary. He posted bail and will next appear in court Sept. 16.

Hernandez said police aren't sure if any of the other break-ins are related.

Residents should not leave valuables such as a GPS, laptop, iPod, purse or briefcase in plain view on the car seat, dashboard or floor, said Crime Prevention Officer Doug Hajek.

Police also suggest using a garage if available or parking in a well-lit area, and always close windows and lock all car doors.

“These are crimes of opportunity,” Hernandez said. “People are walking down the street and try a door to see if it's open, and if it is, they'll steal something.”

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