Crime & Safety

After Active Month, River Forest Police Caution Residents

Authorities say they're closing in 'definite' suspect in string of break-ins and burglaries.

Citing an uptick in car burglaries and garage break-ins, police in River Forest are reminding residents to keep their car doors locked and their valuables hidden.

Police Sgt. Marty Grill said nine incidents of car and garage break-ins and burglaries have been reported so far this month, mostly between Thatcher and Lathrop Avenue and Lake and Division Streets.  At least six fit a similar pattern, including the theft of a 2001 Toyota minivan from a garage in the 900 block of Park Avenue. 

But the streak may be coming to an end.

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In a statement, Grill  said  investigators have "developed a definite suspect and are actively seeking his arrest."

"The police department wants to remind residents that it is a best practice to always keep car doors and garages locked and to avoid leaving valuables like GPS units, laptops, and purses in the car or in other areas where they can be easily seen," Grill said in the statement. 

Find out what's happening in Oak Park-River Forestwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Police are asking anyone with information to call the department's detective division at (708) 366-7125 or to call 911. 


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