On May 28, 2007 at approximately 1:44 a.m., Burr Ridge Officers responded to 15W100 block of 87^th Street for a report of a home invasion in progress.  Dispatch advised responding officers that the resident reported two male subjects dressed in camouflage clothing, armed with rifles, were attempting to enter the residence.  Officers arrived within minutes and were advised by the homeowner that the subjects fled the scene after being discovered by the homeowner.  The preliminary investigation revealed that a home invasion did not occur.  The incident is being investigated as a residential burglary.

Burr Ridge Officers immediately secured the scene and checked the interior of the residence and immediate area around the residence.  A perimeter was established and officers from the Willowbrook, Willow Springs, Indian Head Park, Darien and Hodgkins Police Departments arrived to assist in securing the area and the search for the subjects.  Five K-9’s responded from the Felony Investigative Assistance Team (FIAT) and a portable infrared heat sensor was requested from the Woodridge Police Department.  No SWAT teams were utilized during this incident.  Officers on foot, Police K-9’s and an Officer with an infrared sensor conducted an exhaustive search of the area.  No suspects were found. 

Later in the day at approximately 2:30 p.m., Burr Ridge Officers responded to another report of a burglary in the area in the 11600 block of 87^th Street.  The resident returned home after the holiday weekend and discovered that person(s) unknown had entered their home and took items from the master bedroom area. 

Evidence Technicians processed both crime scenes and Burr Ridge Investigators continue their efforts to locate and identify the subjects involved in these incidents.  At this time there is nothing to suggest that these incidents were related.  Anyone having any information that they think would be helpful to investigators are urged to call the Police Department at (630) 323-8181.  Residents are reminded to utilize their alarms if they have them and lock all doors and windows before retiring or leaving their home.  Utilize as much exterior lighting as is available and most importantly, call 9-1-1 immediately upon noticing any suspicious persons or activity.

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Police Need Your Help to Prevent Burglaries

The Police Department continues to investigate burglaries that have taken place in the Village.  Most of the time, burglars are entering homes through open garage doors and unlocked exterior doors.  Help the Police Department prevent these burglaries from occurring and keep yourself from falling victim to this crime by following these simple steps:

• Keep exterior and garage doors closed and locked.
• Activate security systems.  Ensure your alarm system is working properly and activate it when you leave, even for a short time.  Consider shortening alarm times as burglars can slip in and out of a home unnoticed in under 60 seconds.
• Do not store extra keys outside the house!  Remove keys stored outside under door mats or in flower pots.
• Do not leave valuable items (purses, keys, jewelry, etc.) in plain sight of open doors and windows. 
• Do not leave valuables in your car, including the keys, and lock the doors.
• When it is dark outside, be sure to turn on outside lighting, especially in the back yard. 
• Be vigilant!  Residents who observe suspicious activity, persons or vehicles in their neighborhood should dial 9-1-1 immediately!  You may think it's nothing - let the police decide.
• Ask the Police Department to evaluate your home. Call 323-8181 to schedule a safety check today.  Officers can suggest ways to make your home more secure. 
• When going out of town do not let papers or mail pile up.  Ask a neighbor to pick up these items from your driveway. 
• Ask a neighbor to place some of their garbage at your curb while you're away to make it appear as though someone is home.

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Going out of town?  Sign up for Vacation Watch

Before packing your bags for vacation register your home for the Vacation House Watch Program with the Police Department in 323-8181.  Click here to download the form you will need to complete and submit.  Police Department staff will ask several questions such as:

• Who has keys to your home

• Whether lights will be on timers

• What cars will be left in your driveway

• Who should be contacted in an emergency

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Identity Theft on the Rise; Don't become a Victim

Identity theft is on the rise.  This alone should be good reason not to leave valuables, including wallets and briefcases containing personal information in your car.  Always remove such items from your car and make locking your car a habit.  When shopping be very careful with your debit/credit cards and ATM receipts.  Watch what is being done with your credit card whenever you present it.  Report lost or stolen credit cards to the Police Department immediately and take the necessary steps to cancel them.  To make this easier, you should have a list in a safe place at home with all credit card numbers and phone numbers for reporting lost or stolen cards.  Also, report to the police any suspicious telephone solicitations, especially those requesting credit card and other identity information.  Do not mail important documents containing account of social security numbers using the home mailbox with the red flag up.  That red flag lets the “bad guys” know there is outgoing mail too.

Identity theft has been called the fastest growing crime of the Millennium. It is popular with criminals because it is easy to commit, and is considered a faceless, victimless crime. Victims of identity theft would disagree since, on average, they spend $18,000 of their own money and 175 hours clearing their name and credit. The average amount stolen per victim is $18,000. 

To prevent identity theft, order a credit report from each of the three credit reporting agencies:

Experian: 1-888-EXPERIAN (397-3742), www.experian.com, P.O. Box 2002, Allen, TX 75013

Trans Union: 1-800-680-7289, www.transunion.com; Fraud Victim Assistance Division, P.O. Box 6790, Fullerton, CA 92834-6790

Equifax: 1-800-525-6285, www.equifax.com, P.O. Box 740241, Atlanta, GA 30374-0241

Scrutinize the credit report for errors, new accounts (credit or utility) or address changes. Report inaccuracies immediately. Do not carry unnecessary credit cards or ID, especially Social Security cards. DO NOT RESPOND to e-mails from banks, credit card companies or internet commerce sites such as Amazon, Ebay or America Online. These companies will NEVER ask for personal information via e-mail. Be careful who you provide personal information to without knowing what is required, how or by whom it will be used. Do not send mail from a home mailbox as thieves look for the “red flag” to alert them to outgoing mail. Finally, do not leave wallets or purses in cars since car burglaries are the easiest way to gain access to personal information. For further information, you can visit the Federal Trade Commission's web site at www.consumer.gov/idtheft/ or contact the Burr Ridge Police Department.

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