Car Burglary Suspects Flee Police After Attempted Stop: Lemont PD

LEMONT, IL — Three unlocked cars were burglarized early Friday before police officers located suspected car burglars, Lemont Police said. Lemont officers activated emergency lights and sirens to try and stop and detain the burglars, but they refused to stop.

The burglars fled Lemont in their vehicle with "total disregard for property and safety of the citizens of Lemont," police said. Nearby towns were notified, but were unable to locate the car.

The incidents Friday occurred in the Oak Tree, Limestone and Steeples subdivisions.

Earlier this week, suspected burglars were also found by police in Abbey Oaks, before again fleeing officers. No car burglaries were reported from that incident.

Several suburbs have also reported car burglaries, and Lemont Police said the burglars in these incidents used stolen cars from other jurisdictions, making investigative follow-up difficult. These types of incidents usually involve a burglary crew entering unlocked cars, and either stealing the car if it has keys inside, or using a garage door opener and stealing a car in the garage, which may also have keys inside, police said.

"The best way for Lemont residents to avoid being victimized, is for them to make it difficult for burglars to access your vehicles and property. Once an area becomes target poor, the thieves will move on to other areas," police said in a release. "We need the cooperation of all Lemont residents to follow these simple crime prevention measures."

Car burglaries have been reported in the Chicago suburbs for several years, and Lemont Police said crews operating several years ago were youth gang members who were pursuing theft of vehicle contents.

Recently, vehicles have been targeted, and then used for other crimes and then abandoned. In some incidents, these crews have been armed, and have shot at police while attempting to stop them in other jurisdictions, Lemont Police said.

Residents should not confront or try to intervene in these incidents, but call the police immediately with the location, description of the vehicle and last known location and let the Lemont Police respond.

Lemont Police advised residents to lock their cars, and to shut garage doors at night. You can report any suspicious activity by calling 911.

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