Vehicle Burglaries on the Rise in Kane Co. Forest Preserves

Kane County officials want you to be more vigilant than ever about leaving items exposed in your car.

Several forest preserves in the county saw an increase in vehicle burglaries over the past two months. In most cases, women have left purses inside vehicles in plain view or casually hidden.

About 20 vehicle burglaries took place in the county forest preserves since late August, according to the county Forest Preserve District's Public Safety Department.

"We don't want to discourage people from enjoying the forest preserves, but we do want to make them aware of these incidents so that they are more careful and take preventative measures," said Mike Gilloffo, director of public safety.

Where, How They Happen

The forest preserves with burglary incidents include:

• Fox River Bluff West, St. Charles
• Jon J. Duerr, South Elgin
• Big Rock (in Big Rock)
• Fitchie Creek, Elgin
• Raceway Woods, Carpentersville

After visitors leave their vehicles and enter the preserve, the suspects then open unlocked doors or smash windows to gain access and take valuables.

In each of the cases, the victims were away from their vehicles for less than an hour. Vehicle burglaries also took place at park district lots.

Preserves and parks in Kane, DuPage, Lake, McHenry and Cook counties were targeted.

Safety Measures, Tips

As a result of the burglaries, Forest Preserve District police officers have increased surveillance at Kane County sites.

Safety advisory signs will be added to all forest preserve kiosks. Additional signage will be posted at the preserves mentioned earlier.

Here are the District's safety tips for visiting forest preserves, parks and other large public areas:

• Do not leave wallets, purses, cash or other valuables in plain sight.
• Avoid bringing valuables to a preserve, or if possible, lock them securely in your trunk before arriving.
• Lock your vehicle.
• Be alert to your surroundings—do not wear earbuds or headphones.
• Remain on designated trails and paths.
• Walk or run with a companion.
• Carry a cell phone to report problems or request assistance.
• Call 911 immediately in cases of emergency.

For more information on public safety from the Forest Preserve District, click here.

The information in this article is courtesy of the Forest Preserve District of Kane County.