Oak Lawn home burglaries put residents on alert
OAK LAWN, Ill. (WLS) -- Oak Lawn police are keeping watch for a burglar after a series of residential break-ins in the southwest suburb.
Police said the criminals strike most often on Fridays. Investigators said they noticed a pattern developing in October, but the most recent burglary was reported on New Year's Day on Kenneth Avenue.
Police in the southwest suburb have issued an alert and called residents, including the Brandes.
"I got kind of paranoid when we heard it yesterday," said Nancy Brandes.
"It's scary when it does happen... we've been seeing a lot of police coming around this area because the association has told us they are going to be patrolling the area," Chuck Brandes said.
Oak Lawn police say the area of the break-ins is from 99th to 111th Street and from Pulaski west to Lorel Avenue.
Police say a white car with tinted windows was seen in the area when one of the houses was burglarized on Lorel. The car was captured by a neighbor's surveillance camera.
The Santiagos live a couple of blocks away and say surveillance cameras put an end to problems they had in the past.
"He put the cameras up and everything just stopped. Our mail was taken, you know, somebody was taking our mail. Once he put the cameras, all that ceased," Nilda Santiago said.
"We had two incidents happen where we had some vandalism taking place on our property. That was well over 13 years ago. When I implemented the cameras, those incidents stopped," Milton Santiago said.
Oak Lawn police recommend residents take the following precautions when leaving their homes:
- Check as you are leaving for any suspicious subjects or vehicles near your home for individuals casing the area for targets.
- Put lights on timers to make home appear as if someone is in the home.
- Have trusted neighbors keep an eye on home for suspicious activity if you will be away from home for extended time period.
Anyone with information about the burglaries is asked to contact the Oak Lawn Police at (708) 422-8292.
