Summer might seem innocent, but the warm weather can make it more tempting for would-be thieves to flip door handles for an easy stash. In May, June and July this year, about 200 vehicles have been burglarized here, according to the Police Department. Of those, 78 percent didn't use force. That means burglars are checking cars to see if they're locked - if not, they lift cds, GPSs, sunglasses, cell phones and any other valuables they can get easily. More than 80 percent of these happen between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. - when you're eating dinner, watching TV, reading and sleeping. You're probably home when it happens.
Two young men have been arrested and a third suspect has charges pending. Police have increased patrols in "hot spots" where these crimes seem to clutter. Police also ask residents to do a simple preventative measure: lock your car doors. Seems pretty simple, but the low crime rate in Naperville seems to lull some into thinking "doesn't happen here."
If this crime has happened to you, what advice do you have for others? What are your horror stories? What else can police do to prevent these crimes? What can you do?
My car has been broken into in Naperville, but the doors were locked. The thieves smashed a small window and took my radio, sunglasses, CDs, and small coin purse. My Maui Jim sunglasses were the most expensive item taken ($150) and then the cost to replace the window ($100). What did the thieves get for this stuff -- probably not more than $20 or so. This happened at the Bally's on North Aurora Ave on a Thursday evening (6:30 p.m.) in February -- the parking lot was lit and people were coming and going to their cars. My advice: don't park next to a "large" van or SUV -- that blocks your car from view of the stores.
It wouldn't surprise me if some folks don't even lock their house doors. This makes no sense. The 2 seconds it takes to lock your car or house does make a difference!
As for what more the police can do, I think they need to "patrol" more. I hardly ever see a cop anywhere in any parking lots -- or even in my neighborhood for that matter.
This is a no brainer and really doesnt need a blog no? Keep your cars locked and in the garage if possible. How about the news article about dissolving the Park District and the park police? You still have your police spin which I know you like so so much.
If you are stupid enough to leave your laptop in a parked unlocked car you deserve what you get.
Oh, and also: Don't leave your garage door opener in your parked car (locked or unlocked). People have been known to steal them and use them later for a home robbery.
What can you do?
How about locking your doors and stop being so naive.
A bit harsh, Danny? I don't suppose you have ever forgotten to hit that lock. After a full day of doing yard work, taking bags of mulch and soil out of the car, my husband fell asleep on the couch. He realized in the morning that he had forgotten to lock the car. He always locks his car so this was most unusual. Sure enough, the car was one of several that night that were broken into.
To: Ann on August 3, 2008 8:24 PM
No. I don't think I'm being harsh. Just truthful.
And no I never have forgotten to lock the car. I always double check all the locks before going to bed.
I think it goes a step beyond locking your doors, although that is the obvious thing to do. I think it also is an issue of not leaving tempting items in plain view. I used to live in Chicago, and that is a lesson that everyone learns very quickly -- especially if you park on the street. Just because this is Naperville, it does not mean theft does not happen. And, we should not be naive enough to think that just locking the doors is enough to prevent someone from burglarizing our cars. If you have a laptop sitting on your front seat in plain view -- the locked door may not be enough to prevent someone from breaking in to get it.
I think the lesson to be learned here is -- Don't leave items in plain view in your locked or unlocked car, and try not to leave expensive items in there at all, if possible. If you don't want people to break into your car, don't leave your entire CD collection sitting on the front seat. If you don't want people to break into your car, don't leave a stash of cash & change laying around for all to see. If you don't want people to break into your car, make sure your car looks empty when you leave it! Anything that is even remotely expensive should be put away. If you leave this stuff out in plain view, the potential for burglary is going to be much higher.
While it is the job of the Naperville Police Department to serve and protect, they cannot possible prevent every burglary. Honestly, I would rather have them focusing on larger, more important crimes than 'Johnny had his cell phone stolen from his car, because he left the doors unlocked.' Rather than being reactive and expecting the NPD to fix all problems caused by our own irresponsibility, we need to be proactive and make sure we do not put ourselves in a position to be victimized. All it takes is a little common sense.
If your are leaving your "MAUI" sunglasses in the car thats your first stupid mistake. Be smart people this isnt mayberry!
I think its good that some of these people get brought back to life and out of the bubble they seem to live in.