An uptick in crime reported in Lincolnwood and other nearby communities during the summer months prompted Lincolnwood police to issue a public safety alert and remind residents to be aware of their surroundings.
From the beginning of June through mid-August, police reported four armed robberies, three stolen vehicles and at least eight car break-ins. Six of those car break-ins took place during the Fourth of July weekend, according to the Lincolnwood Police Department.
“Unfortunately, people get complacent about their safety mainly because the neighborhoods feel safe,” said Deputy Chief John Walsh. “We’re working to identify the problem and come up with solutions but at the same time, the public should be educated about what’s happening and take steps to protect their property.”
A four-day stretch in mid-August saw three armed robberies that followed the July 29 robbery of the Baladna Jewelry store. Two unknown men brandishing a gun made off with $100,000 in gold from the store on the 4300 block of Touhy Avenue, police said.
Other recent robberies have targeted people.
On August 10, a person walking on the 3600 block of West North Shore Avenue at approximately 11 a.m. was robbed by a person described as a white male holding a handgun. The man took the victim’s cell phone and several duffel bags filled with clothing and fled, police said.
Two days later, a group of nine black men described to police as wearing dark clothing surrounded a woman as she sat in her vehicle on the 7200 block of North East Prairie Road at approximately 1:15 a.m. One of the men grabbed the cell phone from the driver, who then sped away, according to police Lt. Randy Rathmell.
A third person was targeted in an armed robbery Aug. 1 near the intersection of Estes and Tripp avenues. A group of five black males approached a pedestrian walking in the area around 12:30 a.m., according to the Lincolnwood department.
More Top Picks Fitness Tracker
One of the offenders pulled out a handgun and demanded the victim’s phone, police said.
Lincolnwood Police are investigating the possibility that the crimes are connected, according to Walsh, who said Lincolnwood police have not made any arrests in connection to the incidents.
“There’s a similarity in the vehicles and the offenders that have been described by witnesses, so that would suggest a pattern,” Walsh said. “We don’t want it to escalate any further.”
Last November, a man was robbed at gunpoint after he parked his car in the parking lot of Lincolnwood Town Center and walked toward the mall, according to a report from police.
Police said criminals tend to target people who aren’t paying attention. The department reminded residents in a crime safety alert issued recently to be aware of their surroundings and avoid distractions, such as listening to loud music and texting on phones while out in public.
Police said residents should exercise extra caution during the later evening hours.
“Residents should always be aware of their surroundings, be mindful of possibly being followed and be extremely cautious if anyone approaches you or your vehicle,” according to the email alert police sent to the community.
Please don’t hesitate to call the police or 9-1-1 about suspicious activity, police said. Anonymous tips can be left at (847) 673-2167.
Natalie Hayes is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.