Suspect accused of vehicle burglaries, Lindenhurst police say

An assist from a neighboring agency led Lindenhurst police to a Franklin, Wisconsin, man they say is responsible for more than 20 vehicle burglaries.

Lake Villa police stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation about 4:30 a.m. Friday at Route 83 and Grand Avenue and noticed some IDs and other items that didn't belong to the driver, Travis J. McDade, 25, according to Lindenhurst police Cmdr. George Moravec.

Lake Villa police contacted Lindenhurst police and verified that various items, including GPS units, wallets, purses and credit cards, "were taken from unreported burglaries," Moravec said. McDade apparently had broken into several vehicles in the area of Beck and Sand Lake roads on the south side of the village, he added.

Moravec said police began contacting credit card owners and found some vehicle doors were ajar. The investigation showed someone entered unlocked vehicles parked in residential driveways and removed personal belongings, including purses, wallets, GPS units, cash, credit cards and clothing.

McDade was charged with one count of residential burglary and three counts of burglary to a motor vehicle, according to police, with additional charges pending. He remained in the Lake County jail Tuesday on $25,000 bail, meaning he needs to post $2,500 to be released.

Police said a burglar can enter a car and remove items in less than a minute. The crimes usually occur on residential streets and driveways at night. Police caution residents to close windows, lock doors, activate the alarm, park in well-lighted areas and remove loose valuables.