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player ready...The Wilmette Police Department is investigating a string of auto burglaries that occurred at night during the April 18-19 weekend on the 2800 block of Old Glenview Road, according to a crime alert message sent by Wilmette Chief of Police Michael Robinson.
Per the alert, surveillance footage showed that in each of the incidents, one offender gained access by breaking into several vehicle windows and then proceeding to remove valuable items inside the cars.
According to Robinson, the auto burglary investigation remains ongoing.
Robinson told the Pioneer Press that a similar crime pattern has been happening concurrently in the neighboring communities of Winnetka and Skokie, which reported a string of overnight car burglaries just last month.
“There has been an increase in a number of surrounding towns, but Skokie in particular has seen a pretty significant increase in the last couple of weeks,” Robinson said.
To help prevent against these vehicle thefts, Wilmette officials advise residents to keep their vehicles locked and windows closed when parked in public areas.
Residents are also advised to remove key fobs and other valuable items when away from their cars.
When parked in a residential driveway, police advise residents to remove any garage door openers to prevent future access.
If residents witness a potential auto burglary, which may include seeing someone looking into a vehicle, testing the door’s locks or “loitering around parked cars and peering into windows,” do not approach or address the offender and call 911 immediately.
Providing the exact location of a potential burglary, suspect description and vehicle description (including the make/model/color of the car) will help officers respond quickly before the confrontation escalates to prevent future crime.
Contact the Wilmette Police Department at 847-256-1200 for more information or tips for preventing future burglaries.