Police urge residents to ensure homes are secure overnight

Nov. 12, 2013 - A recent series of late night burglaries of single-family houses has Oak Park Police urging residents to take special precautions to ensure their homes are secure.

At least five burglaries have occurred since late October and two attempted burglaries have been confirmed in what appears to be a pattern focused primarily in the central and southwest areas of the Village.

“Our investigation has determined that the burglar entered through either a window or door in the rear of the property to take items nearby such as purses on kitchen counters,” Police Chief Rick C. Tanksley said.

Additional resources have been deployed and police are analyzing crime intelligence data to address the pattern.

Police say that while the thief apparently has not gone far into the homes entered, this type of crime creates a potentially dangerous situation.

“If you hear or see anything unusual call the police immediately,” Tanksley said. “Any delay in calling is time the police could use to respond and apprehend the offender.”

The most important step a property owner can take, police say, is to minimize the chances of their homes being seen as easy burglary targets. The following burglary prevention tips can help:

• Don’t leave items of value visible from the exterior of the home – especially from the rear door and kitchen area.
• Ensure that all doors and windows are locked and that the locks are functioning properly.
• Use window pegs or screws so that windows cannot be moved passed a certain point from the exterior.
• Install motion detector lights for the rear of your home to illuminate entryways.
• Don’t leave items such as ladders, stools or lawn furniture adjacent to or near exterior windows.

Anyone with questions or who would like police to conduct a security survey at their home is urged to call 708.386.3800 or email police@oak-park.us.