Crime & Safety

Rash of Burglaries Prompts a Warning From Elmhurst Police

Trust your instinct. If it looks like something is not right, it probably isn't.

The office of Police Chief Steve Neubauer has released the following notice for residents:

The city of Elmhurst, along with several surrounding communities, has been experiencing a rash of motor vehicle and daytime residential burglaries. Elmhurst police would like to remind citizens to take precautions so they do not become a victim.

  • Set your burglar alarm every time you leave home.
  • Obtain security system signs or decals for windows and doors.
  • Make sure when you leave home you lock all windows and doors.
  • Install interior/exterior motion detection lighting.
  • Use interior lighting and timers.
  • Watch for suspicious people and vehicles that do not belong in your neighborhood and call 911 with license plate numbers and any physical descriptions.
  • Trust your instincts. If it does not look right, it probably isn't. Call 911.
  • Most residential burglaries are committed during daylight hours when homeowners are away at work or school. If you are going to be away until late afternoon or early evening, use both interior and exterior lighting.
  • If you have a newspaper delivered, remove your paper from the driveway.
  • Always lock your vehicle with all windows up, including when it is parked at home. Vehicle burglary is very common on the victim's own driveway.
  • Never leave valuables in sight. Securing purses, wallets, GPS units, laptop computers, iPods, cash and power cords out of sight increases the chances of a thief moving on. Also, when traveling to local sporting events, parks, stores and fitness centers, secure valuables prior to arriving in case a thief might be watching you conceal belongings. This is especially important at parks and fitness centers, as an increase in incidents at these locations has been reported.
  • Keep unneeded items, such as extra credit cards, electronics and passports at home and secured.
  • Make note of suspicious activity, such as vehicles that are occupied for lengthy periods of time and people peering into vehicles, and call 911. If possible, obtain a license plate of the suspicious vehicle and NEVER confront these people. Never feel it is a bother or is not important; the police will gladly check things out.

By following these suggestions and passing them on to relatives and friends, you can prevent yourself and others from becoming a victim of crime.

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