The Naperville Police Department reminds residents to keep their homes and vehicles locked to avoid burglaries.
In a Facebook post last week, the department noted that break-ins tend to increase during the summer, and advised the public to “make sure that you lock all doors and windows to your homes and any vehicle left outside.”
This comes just a few weeks after several cars and homes in Naperville’s Winding Creek neighborhood were broken into. There have been no arrests as of yet in connection with the incidents.
Most burglaries so far this year committed without forced entry
According to Police Commander Rick Krakow, 45 vehicle burglaries have occurred this year, with 17 residential burglaries. 57% of residential burglaries were committed without forced entry, as were more than 70% of vehicle burglaries.
According to a 2024 police department report, property crimes account for the vast majority of crimes in Naperville. It also stated that overall property crime in 2024 “was down approximately 4% compared to 2023.”
Police chief urges residents to implement nighttime safety routines
Police Chief Jason Arres explained that people must be vigilant and proactive to avoid becoming victims.
“It all starts with securing your vehicles and homes. It does. It sounds so simple, but with the hustle and bustle of life, it is easy to forget,” Arres explained.
When it comes to vehicle burglaries, he says they frequently occur in apartment complexes with multiple cars parked in a common area.
In terms of homes, people can become victims when vehicles with garage door openers are parked outside and unlocked. This gives the perpetrators access to the car and entry into the house.
Arres stressed the importance of developing the habit of securing everything at the end of the night.
“Set yourself a nighttime routine. Before going to bed for the night, make sure your vehicles are locked. “Make sure your garage doors are closed and all of your interior doors are locked,” advised Arres.
