Law enforcement officials are warning residents of an increase in vehicle break-ins across Lake County since the Illinois stay-at-home order began.
According to Commander Jim Seifken, of the Lake County Forest Preserve Ranger Police, the burglaries are happening almost every day in forest preserve parking lots because of the increase in popularity at those spots.
“We’re the only place people can go and work out and get outside,” he said. “We’re busy every day.”
Dozens of preserves across the county make up the Lake County Forest Preserves, including Cuba Marsh in Deer Park, Buffalo Creek in Long Grove and Heron Creek in Lake Zurich. Seifken said his department has seen about 25 reports of break-ins taking place throughout these spots since the stay-at-home order was activated.
But the auto break-ins aren’t only happening at Lake County Forest Preserves. Other “prime targets” for break-ins during the coronavirus pandemic are parking lots of hospitals and grocery stores. Also, according to incident reports across the county, residents are also seeing attempted and actual break-ins in their own neighborhoods.
According to police, it takes less than a minute to break a vehicle window, unlock the door and take whatever is inside.
Officers are encouraging people to lock their vehicle doors, close windows and either keep personal items out of sight, take them out of the vehicle or leave them at home. Other tips to combat auto-related burglaries can be found on the Lake County Forest Preserve website.
Visible laptops, cell phones, wallets, purses or even a cup holder of change can attract a thief, police said. According to Seifken, nearly all of the stolen items reported to his police ranger unit have been purses.
“The simple act of placing valuables in the trunk of your car and out of plain view before you arrive at your destination can significantly reduce the likelihood of being a victim of auto burglary,” reads an announcement on the Forest Preserve website.
Seifken said law enforcement agencies are working together to collect evidence — as they track down stolen credit cards being used — to find possible perpetrators. They are investigating several leads.
People who see suspicious activities are encouraged to call the Lake County Sheriff’s Office at 847-549-5200.
kedquist@chicagotribune.com
Twitter: @kaitlinedquist
