The Western Springs Police are investigating a rash of car burglaries and an automobile theft.
Police said six unlocked cars were broken into between 9 p.m. Mondayand 7 a.m. Tuesday. Two were in the 5000 block of Lawn Avenue; two were in the 5000 block of Woodlawn Avenue, the fifth was in the 5100 block of Central Avenue and the sixth was in the 800 block of Elm Street.
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The items taken include a cellphone, jewelry, various amounts of cash and personal identification that were in plain view, police said.
A car was reported stolen from the 800 block of Elm Street between 8 p.m. Monday25 and 8 a.m. Tuesday. The keys to the unlocked car were on the center console, police said.
“The common element is that people left their doors unlocked,” said Police Chief Pamela Church. “And they all occurred in the same time frame.”
Church called the crime spree “a fair amount in a short time.”
She said the department is working with police departments in nearby communities to solve the crimes.
Police urge residents to keep car doors and windows locked at all times and to lock hatch doors, trunks and sunroofs. They also are urged to always take their keys with them.
Other safety tips include parking in well-lit areas and using a security system if a car has one.
Police also encourage residents to keep an eye out for suspicious activity including anyone looking in car windows or pulling on car door handles and anyone driving slowly through the neighborhood or following a course that seems aimless or repetitive. Sounds of glass breaking or a car alarm could indicate a burglary occurring.
Residents are encouraged to call 911 if they see anything suspicious.
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