Winnetka and Glencoe Police Warn of Daytime Home Burglaries

Both Winnetka and Glencoe are warning residents to be alert after a string of residential burglaries

The following is from the Village of Winnetka:

Burglars attempted to break into a Winnetka home on Saturday afternoon, October 18, while the residents were out for a short time. Fortunately, the homeowners had locked each door to protect their belongings.

This crime is consistent with a pattern in several neighboring North Shore communities in recent weeks. Many of these burglaries have been committed during daytime hours, while the homeowner had only stepped out for a few minutes to complete errands or walk the dog. This suggests that perpetrators have been watching homes, waiting for the resident to leave. In most cases, suspects have broken into homes through rear doors or windows. Such burglars will typically ring the doorbell in order to verify no one is home before attempting entry. If the door is answered by the homeowner, the suspect will typically claim they are looking for a lost dog, selling magazines, asking for some unknown person, etc. Please remember to lock your home whenever you are away, even if only for a few minutes. Please call 911 anytime suspicious behavior is observed.

The following is from the Village of Glencoe:

There have been seven residential burglaries in Glencoe over the past two months. They are likely all related to one crime pattern affecting Glencoe and surrounding communities. Most of the burglaries occur between 9:00 am and 2:00 pm. The offenders are targeting unoccupied homes, and are possibly in the area watching for residents leaving their homes. Burglars often will ring the front doorbell to determine if anyone is home before walking around the house looking for unlocked doors and windows or forcing entry at the rear of the house. Please make sure that your home is locked and secured whenever you are away, even if only for a few minutes to walk the dog, visit a neighbor, etc.

We are seeking your help in solving this crime pattern. Please be aware of unfamiliar people or vehicles in your neighborhood. If you see or encounter suspicious people or vehicles, please get a good description and call the Department of Public Safety at 847-835-4112 immediately.