Elk Grove police remind residents to lock up homes, cars
In response to a rash of car and residential home burglaries that have occurred recently, Elk Grove Police officials are reminding residents to always keep their cars and homes locked.
The car burglaries took place in the residential area east of Arlington Heights Road during the overnight hours of July 4 and 5. All of the burglarized cars were unlocked at the time of the offense and might have been prevented if residents locked their car doors.
The residential burglaries took place in the area west of I-290 between July 4 and July 6 while the homeowners were out of town.
"Don't make yourself an easy target," said Elk Grove Village Police Chief Chuck Walsh. "Often, these offenders are just looking for cars that were left unlocked so they can steal loose change and any valuables that are left in vehicles. If you don't want to become a victim, just lock up."
In addition to providing crime prevention tips for residents, Elk Grove police will be increasing patrols and visibility in the areas most impacted by the recent incidents.
The police department urges residents and visitors to take crime prevention measures such as those described in the "9 p.m. Routine" movement:
• Bring in packages and mail
• Remove valuables from vehicles
• Roll up windows and lock vehicle's doors
• Close and lock garage doors
• Close and lock exterior doors and windows
• Turn on exterior lights
The Elk Grove Village Police Department urges residents to report anything suspicious by calling 9-1-1. Suspicious activities may include:
• People knocking on your door and telling you they are looking for someone who doesn't live there.
• Unfamiliar people walking through yards.
• Windows or doors opened at a neighbor's home who normally keeps things closed and locked.
"Living in a safe community does not mean we are immune from property crimes," said Chief Walsh. "That's why we all need to take simple, common sense measures to keep our homes, our vehicles and our communities safe."