Friday Blotter: Lines Cut to Home; BB Gun Likely in Vandalism

High school theft

A Niles West High School student came into the Skokie police station on May 10 around 3 p.m. to report a stolen cell phone. According to the report, the victim left his phone in an unlocked locker before the device was removed.

Theft from motor vehicle

A brown binder was stolen from a car parked in the 9000 block of Lamon Avenue on May 11. According to the report, the victim left his vehicle unlocked overnight.

Suspicious burglary attempt

Multiple wires were cut at the back of a home in the 8400 block of Lawndale Avenue on May 11. According to the report, police were canvassing the area regarding a residential burglary. The homeowner told police that she was unable to make a call and realized wires located in the back of her home were cut. Police are investigating the matter.

Account hit for $303

A woman came into the Skokie police station to report a deceptive practice on May 6 around 11:30 a.m. According to the report, $303 was withdrawn from her checking account from an automated teller machine (ATM) in Torrance, CA. The woman told police she was in Illinois and had possession of her card during the time of the theft.

Police suspect the woman may be a victim of ATM skimming. To read more on the subject, read our latest report here.

'SNAFU' on train

Police responded to a criminal damage compliant at the CTA train yard, 3701 Oakton St. According to the report, an employee told police that a train had the words “SNAFU” written in bold yellow spray paint on a train car. He also told police the damage was about $500.

According to several online sources, SNAFU stands for situation normal: all fouled up. Some believe the acronym came from the U.S. Army during World War II.

BB gun suspected in damage

Police responded to a criminal damage compliant in the 7700 block of Hamlin Avenue on May 7 around 5:30 p.m. According to the report, an SUV had its rear window cracked. The victim suspects a BB gun was used to cause the damage.