May 1, 2023 -- The City of Highland Park Police Department is investigating a burglary that occurred late on Sunday, April 30, 2023 on the 1700 block of Dale Ave. Multiple suspects forced entry into a residence while residents were home and sleeping. The residents were awakened by their audible burglar alarm, and the suspects fled without any interaction with the residents when the alarm sounded. Personal belongings were subsequently discovered missing from various rooms in the home.
An increase in burglaries to homes and vehicles is a national trend that is not unique to Highland Park. Highland Park police officers are proactively working to prevent burglaries in our community. The Highland Park Police Department continues to partner with law enforcement throughout the region to investigate area-wide reports of orchestrated crime groups targeting homes for burglaries. Reporting suspicious behaviors, not people, can assist law enforcement in preventing crimes. If you see something, say something by calling the public safety non-emergency line at 847.432.7730.
This incident is a good reminder to all residents to follow best practices for securing homes and vehicles every evening; in this case, the audible alarm deterred the offenders from engaging with residents, and there was no interaction with the homeowner.
The tips below can assist homeowners and residents in securing their property and preventing thefts and burglaries. Residents may also contact their Police Beat Coordinator, who can arrange a visit to provide safety recommendations, both general and specific to each home and location.
- Lock all doors and windows.
- Regularly set alarms, including during daytime hours.
- Remove key fobs and valuable items from vehicles.
- Store in-vehicle garage door openers out of sight.
- Turn on exterior lights.
- Always report suspicious behavior, not people, to the Police Department at 847.432.7730.
- Contact the Police Department ahead of a vacation for a close watch on homes.