Police Issue Alert After Spate of Burglaries: 'Lock Your Doors'

Skokie Police have issued a community alert after a string of dead-of-night burglaries occurred from Aug. 3 through Aug. 25.

The common thread? Unlocked doors and windows. 

The burglars entered nine homes through unlocked doors and windows; they also entered 15 unlocked vehicles. Many valuables were taken, all while residents slept.

Burglars also attempted to enter two additional homes, but didn't get in because doors and windows were locked.

Related: Are Nighttime Home Burglaries Part of a Larger Pattern? Naperville, Batavia Also Had Recent Strings of Cat Burglaries

Police have recovered three vehicles which were stolen when the burglars pilfered car keys from the homes.

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Skokie police have issued the following statement:

Residential Cat Burglaries and Vehicle Burglaries
 
Between August 3 and August 25, 2013, during the overnight hours, the Village of Skokie has experienced 11 cat-type burglaries within its boundaries. Typically a cat burglary occurs overnight when the resident is at home sleeping. In most cases, the resident is unaware of the crime until the next morning.

Also reported in the Northeast area of Skokie were 15 burglaries to motor vehicles. It is important to note that all of these vehicle burglaries were a result of the vehicles being left unlocked. Future criminal activity of this type can often be prevented by locking windows and doors. 

The Northeast area of Skokie is bordered by Crawford Ave., Golf Rd., McCormick Blvd., and Main St. Eight out of 11 cat burglaries were reported in this area. Three were committed and two were attempted within the Williamsburg Village subdivision. One burglary was also reported in the Timber Ridge subdivision; while two more were reported within this Northeast area. Additionally, three other cat burglaries have occurred in this time frame, outside the above-described Northeast area. 

In all nine committed burglaries, entry was gained into the house as a result of an unlocked window or door. The two attempted burglaries were prevented by locked windows. Most of the burglaries resulted in electronics equipment being removed from the residences and in three cases, vehicles were removed from the property as a result of the vehicle keys being removed from the home.

However, all three of the vehicles have been recovered. Two vehicles were recovered in Evanston, and one vehicle was recovered in Chicago. These incidents are ongoing investigations. If you have any information regarding suspicious persons or activity during the above time frame, please call the Skokie Police Department Investigation Unit at (847) 982 – 5958.  

The community is reminded that crimes of opportunity can often be prevented  by locking doors and windows, and securing property. In case of an emergency, or if you observe the above activity, please call 9-1-1. The Skokie Police Department established an automated Crime Tip Hotline and invites the public to call 847/933-TIPS (8477) anytime to report suspicious activity or other information. Messages can be left anonymously, but it is helpful if those who call leave their contact information for Police follow up if necessary.