Police Report 12 Incidents of Car Burglaries, Damage May 13-14

Twelve more incidents of car damage or theft were reported in the overnight hours between Friday, May 13, and Saturday, May 14, according to police. 

The incidents took place "in close proximity to each other" near Route 53 and Woodridge Drive. 

According to a press release from the , "items taken from the vehicles include loose change, GPS units, a media player, a digital camera and other miscellaneous items."

Five of the incidents occurred in the 6400 block of Marshall Drive, four of the incidents occurred in the 6400 block of Dean Drive and three of the incidents occurred between the 3300 block and 3400 block of Woodridge Drive, police said.

These incidents come on the heels of 10 other incidents of car damage or theft that have been reported in the past month. 

Between April 24 and 27, police reported four incidents in which car windows were smashed and items were stolen from the car. There were four more reported incidents in which car windows were cracked or smashed but no items were taken. 

Two more incidents were reported in early May. According to police reports, a vandal damaged the lock of a car and "disturbed the contents of the vehicle" May 3, around 9:45 p.m. in the 2500 block of Forest Drive. Nothing was taken from the car. 

Then a thief broke into two cars in the 8100 block of Route 53 between 9 p.m. May 4 and 9:55 a.m. May 5. The dashboard of one car was damaged. A radio was stolen from the other. 

You can see where all of these incidents took place on this map. 

No charges have been filed in relation to any of these incidents. 

Anyone with information is urged to call the Woodridge Police Department Detective Unit at 630-719-4740.

According to the release, the Police Department sent a Reverse 911 message on the afternoon of May 17 to residents in the affected neighborhoods.  The message alerted the residents to the burglaries and advised them to be cautious and report any suspicious activity.  

Kate Croteau, management analyst for the Woodridge Police Department, said earlier in the month that department detectives were looking into the incidents and monitoring pawn shops for any missing items. She also said personnel from the department's tactical unit are focusing on the areas where the crimes happened.

From the press release: 

"The Woodridge police have had several burglaries reported this year. The police department relies not only on our patrols for information, we also rely on those residents who live in the affected neighborhoods to help the police with reporting suspicious persons or activities.  It is also extremely important to report all burglaries, even attempts.  Vehicles that have been rummaged through without actual thefts still provide vital information for investigation.  The more specific the information we have, the better investigative tools we have to work with. 

The Woodridge Police Department also reminds all residents to lock car doors, keep items out of plain view and keep a light on to deter your vehicle as a target.  Again, if you have any information regarding these incidents, please contact the Detective Unit at 630-719-4740."