Rash of burglaries hits Downers Grove

Downers Grove police have issued a community alert after six homes were burglarized within a two-week period.

Between Oct. 16 and Oct. 28, burglars hit homes in the area south of Ogden Avenue, north of 55th Street, east of Main Street and west of Roslyn Road. In all six cases, the offenders entered the homes during the daytime through an unlocked door or an unlocked or open window. Missing items included jewelry, laptop computers and electronics.

Police have little information on the offenders, and do not know whether it is one suspect or a group of suspects committing the crimes. While the crimes are similar, police do not have concrete evidence on whether the crimes were all committed by the same person or group.

"Right now, we have no suspect info," said Sgt. Dave Bormann. "I can't give a definitive answer on whether they are connected or not."

Due to the lack of evidence and eyewitnesses, Downers Grove police are asking anyone with information on the crimes to call Detective Jeremy Thayer at 630-434-5653.

Police have increased patrols in the area and are giving residents advice on how to avoid potential break-ins.

Residents should call police immediately if they see unfamiliar people between homes, unfamiliar people knocking on the front door then proceeding to the rear of the home, excessive dog barking and unfamiliar occupied vehicles that are parked.

Residents are also encouraged to speak with neighbors so everybody can keep an eye on each other's homes. Also, police said residents should not enter their homes if they believe a burglary has occurred. They should call police so an officer can check the home to ensure it is safe.

Considering that all of the burglaries occurred at unlocked homes, police are stressing that residents make sure their homes are secure.

"Don't be an easy target," Bormann said. "Lock your doors, lock your windows."

By Jim Jaworski
Triblocal.com reporter