From the Wednesday Journal
Four homes entered through unlocked doors, window Wednesday overnight
By BILL DWYER
Staff Reporter
Web Extra!
Oak Park police have issued a neighborhood alert following four residential burglaries within a four hour period early Wednesday morning. The burglaries occurred within a roughly four square block area bounded by Division on the north, Chicago on the south, Oak Park to the west and Ridgeland to the east.
Three of the homes were entered through unlocked rear doors, and one through an open window. Numerous valuables were stolen while homeowners slept inside.
As police investigate the crimes, they are recommending homeowners and landlords take a number of steps to reduce the odds their properties will be targeted by burglars, including:
* Close and lock all windows and doors at night or install devices that limit the travel of the sash or door.
* Make sure outdoor furniture, rain barrels or other items cannot be used as a makeshift ladder to reach higher windows.
* Install and use good lighting - features like motion detectors and automatic dusk-to-dawn switching are especially effective. Consider audible alarms on entry points.
* Residents interested in additional security tips and even an assessment of your home are urged to contact their resident beat officer. Individuals can also visit www.oak-park.us/police for more information.
UPDATE:
Flyer from the Oak Park Police attached.
