City of Highland Park Police Arrest Suspect in Residential Burglary
October 16, 2023 – The Highland Park Police Department and the North Regional Major Crimes Burglary Task Force (NORTAF) investigated a residential burglary on April 30, 2023, in the 1700 block of Dale Avenue. During this crime, multiple suspects forced entry to the residence while the homeowners were sleeping and committed a theft. Investigators identified Joe Mitchell, 37, of 6704 W. Forest Preserve Drive, Harwood Heights, Illinois, as one of the offenders and sought and received a warrant for his arrest. Mr. Mitchell was taken into custody on Friday, October 13, 2023.
The facts of the investigation were reviewed with the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office. Mr. Mitchell was charged with one (1) count of residential burglary 720 ILCS 5/19-3(a) (class 1 felony) and (1) count of Theft 720 ILCS 5/16-1 (a)(1) (class 1 felony). Mr. Mitchell was scheduled for his first appearance hearing at the Lake County Courthouse on October 14, 2023.
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. Reporting suspicious behaviors can assist law enforcement in preventing crimes. Suspicious activity or behavior may include vehicles driving slowly and aimlessly, especially at night with lights off, and individuals loitering around parked cars and peering into windows. Suspicious activity should be immediately reported to 911.
The tips below can assist homeowners and residents in securing their property and preventing thefts and burglaries.
- Lock all doors and windows.
- Regularly set alarms, including during daytime hours. In this instance, the homeowners were alerted to the crime in progress by an audible burglar alarm.
- 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.
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.
The subject listed above has been charged with a crime. The charge is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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