Important Information To Know

Police Works to Resolve Criminal Cases

In an effort to help resolve criminal cases involving identity theft, retail theft, credit card fraud and various other crimes, the Skokie Police Department recently began using the internet website IDThisPerson.com, which was created to assist law enforcement agencies in identifying suspects or persons of interest related to criminal activity.  Those helping identify subjects on the site can receive a $25 reward.  Everyday images of unidentified suspects or persons of interest are added to IDThisPerson.com by law enforcement agencies.  The public can view these images and provide identifying information about the subjects in an anonymous format.

Every year there are billions of dollars in losses directly related to identity theft.  There are also over one billion dollars in annual losses by businesses due to retail theft.  Citizens ultimately pay for these losses since costs are typically passed on to consumers.  The Skokie Police Department encourages citizens to visit IDThisPerson.com to help ensure the success of this partnership.

Vehicle Burglaries (follow-up)

In an ongoing effort to keep the citizens of Skokie informed, as well as educate members in our community at becoming more proactive in Crime Prevention matters, we are providing further updates involving vehicle burglaries.

An additional rash of vehicle burglaries is prompting the Skokie Police Department to remind residents that the simplest method of preventing vehicle break-ins is to lock car doors, keep items out of plain view and roll up the windows.

In the past month, 97% of vehicles burglarized are believed to have been left unlocked while parked outdoors overnight.  Additionally, based on a five year study, 48% of vehicle burglaries have been unlocked while parked outdoors overnight.  That is a staggering percentage.  Basically, one half of vehicle burglaries can and should be prevented.

The Crime Prevention model relating to criminal behavior is based on three factors:  desire, ability and opportunity.  We have the power to control one of these factors.  By removing the opportunity, we remove a major component of the model.  By locking vehicle doors, keeping windows rolled up and removing items in plain view, we eliminate almost 50% of vehicle burglaries in Skokie.

The Skokie Police Department's Crime Prevention/Community Relations Unit is committed to providing needed support the citizens of Skokie are accustomed to receiving.  If your block, neighborhood or social group would like a presentation or literature based on this topic or any other Crime Prevention education, please contact us at (847) 982-5919.

WE REMAIN COMMITTED TO WORKING WITH MEMBERS OF OUR COMMUNITY.

The Skokie Police Department are currently investigating leads connected to the vehicle burglaries and have recovered some of the property that was taken. 

HERE ARE SOME TIPS TO REMEMBER:

  • LOCK your vehicle and take the keys with you.
  • PARK carefully in well lighted areas.
  • USE anti-theft devices.
  • CLEAN it out; do not leave anything in plain view.
  • REMOVE garage door openers.
  • REPORT suspicious activity or persons to the Skokie Police Department at 911.

LOCK UP:

  • An unlocked car is an open invitation to a car thief.
  • Lock the trunk of tailgate.
  • Close all windows - thieves look for the smallest of openings to break into your vehicle.
  • Lock your car even if you are making quick stops.
  • Work together as a neighborhood and keep a watchful eye on your neighbor's property.

ITEMS TO AVOID LEAVING IN YOUR VEHICLE:

  • Cellular phones and chargers
  • CDs
  • Purses/Briefcases/Wallets
  • Backpacks
  • Laptops/Cameras
  • Remove stereos, including the removable face plates.

Remember, this is our Village and a great place to live and work.  Help us keep a watchful eye on our property as well as our neighbor's property.  YOU can make a difference.

Report suspicious circumstances immediately to the Skokie Police Department by dialing 9-1-1.