More Home Burglaries Reported in Palos Heights
Police issued a community alert for three incidents that have hit houses in town since Dec. 12.
Residents have reported three separate home burglaries since December, police said this week.
Burglars forced their way in through back doors, stealing jewelry from people's bedrooms, according to a community alert posted to the City of Palos Heights website.
“We’re just trying to make people aware that if they do see anything out of the ordinary, to look out for themselves and for their neighbors," said Palos Heights Deputy Chief Dave Delany.
The police offered tips on how to prevent future burglaries:
In particular, residents are reminded to be aware of any person(s) that may appear at their doorstep wishing to provide a service that had not been requested, asking for someone who doesn’t live there, or is acting like they must be at the wrong address and ask for directions. Residents can acknowledge the presence of persons at their doorstep, but should not open the door unless the person is expected. It is important to report an accurate description of the person(s) clothing, height, gender, and race. If you observe a vehicle, note the color, make style, and/or license plate.
- Make your home look occupied. Never allow newspapers to pile up, mailboxes to become stuffed, or garbage cans be left out for several days. Arrange with a trusted friend or neighbor to collect these items, or contact the US Postal Service to stop delivery. Make arrangements to have your lawn cut or your driveway shoveled during the winter.
- Make it difficult to break in. Lock all exterior doors and windows before you leave or before you go to bed. “PIN” sliding glass windows by putting a security bar in the track.
- Check your burglar and fire alarms to make sure they are working properly, and ARM them. Also check any video surveillance systems to ensure they are working properly.
- Set automatic timers for interior and exterior lights, radios and televisions. Lock valuables in a secured safe, or use a safe deposit box. Document all valuables, especially serial numbers. A video camera or photo camera can also be used to document such items.
- Lock your CAR DOORS, and do not leave valuables in them overnight.
- Be aware of people/vehicles that may be around when you are leaving your residence.
- If you see a suspicious person or vehicle, PLEASE don’t hesitate to call 9-1-1
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PH Citizen
7:18 am on Thursday, January 31, 2013
Any word on "where" in the Heights? A certain neighborhood or anything? Or just random?
Phinnigin
11:58 am on Friday, February 1, 2013
Right on! Where in Palos would begppd info.
Pat Cannon
11:59 am on Friday, February 1, 2013
Ya, it's the new city sport, head to the burb's while decent folk are working, and rob them .... I'm in Hickory Hills, we had almost 30 break In's last summer alone...but sadly Hickory is slow to notify residents so they can ban to gather and be on the look out, makes zero sence...
Another PH Citizen
12:01 pm on Friday, February 1, 2013
I, too, would appreciate more details, as this news article is pretty vague. While it's helpful to have the heads-up, reporting the old 4 "W's" - who, what, where, when - would be appreciated, e.g., the street or block numbers, dates, times of day, etc. Thank you.
John
12:03 pm on Friday, February 1, 2013
It would be nice if the police would tell you where these incidents occured. This is just shooting in the dark.Not very helpful
John
1:48 pm on Friday, February 1, 2013
Yes, I find the Palos Heights Police Department not into communicating with the citizens. You will not find crime statistics on the city web site . At least Chicago has a map that lists location of every crime that occurs. I think the burbs like to keep things quite so the residents think that all is well.
Vance Johnson
8:27 pm on Friday, February 1, 2013
When seconds count, police are only minutes away. They are there to take reports, not prevent crime.
Joan
10:48 pm on Monday, February 4, 2013
One was near 119th & Richard, Sat, early evening & one was around 69th, they aren't sure what day or time
Joan
10:51 pm on Monday, February 4, 2013
Someone also said that they saw a maroon SUV go up to a house around 119th & Richard during the day & the people who saw this man go up to the house called the cops & by the time the cops got there the person saw them on the phone & took off right away
Pat Cannon
12:51 pm on Tuesday, February 5, 2013
yep, you palos people at least get a heads up, here in Hickory we get zip'' If i wasent friends with my alderman I wouldn't have known about the almost 30 break in's around me..so yes, i went to all my neighbors n spread the word, Im lucky i have 2 retired neighbors, who keep an eye wide open..I also work 2nd shift so I to keep an eye out ......Here most police live out side of our town, so they come to my town and just do their 8 hours,then pfft, head home, screw the people who's tax's pay me....