Crime Prevention Tips

Anytime economic growth slows and the unemployment rate goes up, crime too goes up. The warmer weather also contributes to a rise in crime. Here are some tips to avoid being a victim of a crime:

• Always lock your car and keep the windows rolled up far enough that someone couldn't reach-in and unlock the doors. Kids love to go through cars and see what they can get from change to laptops. Keep a valuables locked in the trunk. GPS units are the latest targets, and will usually result in a window being broken. IMPORTANT: On your GPS unit, DO NOT list your residence under the "home" designation. If you are out and about and have your GPS stolen, they will also grab your garage door opener. Then they hit the "home" destination, go to your house, open the garage door and they are in. If possible, program your garage code directly into the vehicle's button center if one is available.

• Keep the doors on your residence locked at all times. It's easy to run out to the store and forget to lock a rear door, sliding door or side garage door. Also, try to avoid leaving first floor windows open when not home. It takes a second to open a window and cut the screen for access. While burglaries in Lincolnshire are rare, the entire Chicago metro area is seeing a rise due to the poor economy. Also, be aware of people in your neighborhood. If something doesn't look or feel right, call the Police Department! As we've said, we would rather answer 100 false alarms than 1 actual alarm. Jot down unfamiliar license plates if you see a car that doesn't fit in.

• If you've given your garage code to a worker, house keeper or other people that are no longer working in your house, change the code. Also be aware that someone with a good set of binoculars can see you punch in the numbers from quite a distance away. Also, tell your kids not to give out the code to their friends under any circumstances. We've had incidents where the friends have accessed a home while the residents were out of town and before you know it, a full-blown party ensues. Damage to the home is almost always a bi-product of these events.

• Use timers on your lights. Lighting, whether indoors or outdoors is the #1 deterrent to crime. Talk to your neighbors and watch out for each other. If you see someone suspicious walking through your neighbor's yard, check further or call the Police. In most cases, employees of Comcast, AT&T, the gas and electric companies, and Village employees will wear clothing designating their office. They are carry photo IDs also.

• If you are going to travel, call the Police Department and put your house on "Police Watch." Numerous times there have been situations where we need to contact the homeowner and having a contact number readily available is a tremendous help. We will periodically check your residence to make sure everything from the outside appears normal. Stop newspaper and mail deliveries, or make arrangements with a neighbor or friend to pick these up daily.

• As we all know, Identity Theft is on the rise. Never give your vital information to anyone without knowing for sure who they are and what they want the information for. If you are contacted by someone claiming to be your bank or credit card company, or any other such institution, don't give anything to them. You obtain the number for the institution and YOU call THEM back. Don't be fooled by what shows up on your Caller ID. There are companies out there that will sell any Caller ID name the criminal wants displayed when he or she calls. If in doubt, trust your instincts.

These tips are not meant to scare or upset anyone, they are just common sense reminders on how to avoid being a crime victim.

If you would like any further information or have any questions, please feel free to call Chief of Police Randy Melvin at 847.913.2341, and we will be glad to help.