Scam/Burglary Notification
The Chicagoland suburbs are currently being victimized by Ruse Burglaries, so the Northfield Police Department would like to remind residents to be alert for the signs of such activity. Seniors are the primary targets, and the method of access to the victim's home often involves isolating the victim in one part of the house or yard. The visit from the burglar is always predicated on some sort of ruse. Common themes involve drawing the victim outside to identify the property line for digging, tree-trimming, etc. An indoor theme involves isolating the victim in the basement under the ruse that the hot water heater needs to be tested, or the pipes need to be checked. Once the victim is isolated by the first individual, a second individual, in contact via a walkie-talkie and in a foreign language, searches the victim's house for valuables. If an uninvited visitor attempts to lead your movements or draw you from your home be aware this may be an attempt to access your home. If your intuition is telling you something is not right, dial 911 immediately. We also ask that you share this warning with any senior family or friends that might not have access to it first hand.
State of Illinois Driver's License Emergency Contact Information
The State of Illinois is offering Illinois instruction permit, driver's license and identification card holders to enter their emergency contact information into a voluntary, secure database. Starting in August 2009, in the event of a motor vehicle crash or other emergency situation where a person is unable to communicate directly, law enforcement may access this database to help them reach the person's designated emergency contacts. Click the link below to start the process. http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/drivers/ecd/home.html
Burglary Arrests Made
A task force comprised of officers from the Highland Park, Northbrook, Wilmette, Winnetka, Kenilworth, Glenview, Northfield and Glencoe police departments have arrested a 75 year-old Highland Park resident and his 50 year-old nephew whom police describe as pld-time "cat burglars", in the early morning hours on Saturday April 25, 2009. The two are suspects in at least 19 burglaries occurring around northeast Illinois over the past 22 months, in which the offenders entered homes during the overnight hours while the occupants were sleeping and stealing cash, jewelry and silverware predominately. The arrests are the culmination of a lengthy investigation that led to a surveillance of the crew on the day they were arrested. Search warrants were obtained and executed for both men's vehicles as well as the offenders' homes. Hundreds of items of silver flatware and service pieces, jewelry and watches were recovered. Pawn shop receipts led to the seizure of silver flatware identified as having been taken in an April 23rd Northfield, Illinois overnight burglary. The offender's method of operation included allegedly dressing in camouflage clothing, headgear and masks and using night vision equipment. Proceeds were allegedly placed into a backpack they would carry. Police allege the men would park their vehicle in an inconspicuous location and walk to their targets. The investigation into both men continues and court dates are pending. Additional charges may be reviewed with the States Attorneys office. We encourage you to thoroughly check your home for any missing jewelry and/or flatware items that you may not regularly use and contact the Northfield Police Department at 847-446-2131 should you discover items such as these to be missing.
Press Release 12-12-2008
Northfield police are investigating the death of a 39-year-old woman whose body was discovered on Thursday in her home. Nicole C. Martin was found by her husband, Laurence, 53, in the bathtub of their home in the 1500 block of Willow Rd. when he returned from work at 6:33 p.m. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Northfield Police Chief William Lustig said police found no signs at the home of forced entry. An investigation is underway to determine the cause and time of death. Mrs. Martin has been transported to the medical examiners office for an autopsy which will be conducted later this morning.
Press Release 11-19-2008
At 5:57 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 18, William V. Hork, 62, of the 20 block of Meadowview Rd., Northfield, was found shot to death in his parked pick-up truck. Northfield Police Chief William Lustig said a note was found in the truck and the evidence indicates that the shooting was a suicide, not the result of foul play. Mr. Hork’s wife had reported him missing at 5:15 p.m. Tuesday and a Northfield patrol officer found the truck a short time later parked near the police garage on Walnut Ave. in downtown Northfield. A handgun with a single shot fired was found at the scene. Mr. Hork is survived by his wife and two adult children
Suspicious Incident At Glenview Park - Child Approached
Dear Parents: Recently, in Glenview at Roosevelt Park, a mother reported a male white subject spoke to her 5 year old daughter, asking her to walk away from the play area towards the tennis court. As the mother approached her child the subject walked away quickly. The subject is described as; a male white subject 30-35 years old, medium build, 5’10-6’00 with short, light brown hair with medium skin tone, The subject had a white, long haired dog about 80-90 lbs on a leash. The case is under investigation by the Glenview Police Department. We need to take this opportunity to remind our children about the appropriate response in these situations. You can help us by reviewing the following tips with your child: * NEVER ENTER A STRANGER'S HOME. * NEVER TAKE ANY GIFTS FROM STRANGERS. * DO NOT HITCHHIKE OR ACCEPT RIDES FROM SOMEONE YOU DO NOT KNOW. * NEVER GO WITH A STRANGER WHO ASKS FOR DIRECTIONS. * NEVER WALK UP TO A CAR/BICYCLE AT THE SUGGESTION OF A STRANGER. * IF A STRANGER TRIES TO GET YOU INTO A CAR, GO TO THE NEAREST HOUSE, STORE, OR GROUP OF PEOPLE. * IF A STRANGER GRABS YOU, SCREAM AND RUN TO THE NEAREST HOUSE, STORE OR GROUP OF PEOPLE. * IF GRABBED: SCREAM, BITE, KICK, HIT, TRY TO GET LOOSE AND RUN TO THE NEAREST HOUSE. * IF YOU ARE EVER ASKED TO DO SOMETHING OR QUESTIONED BY A STRANGER, TELL YOUR PARENTS, TEACHER, PRINCIPAL OR THE POLICE IMMEDIATELY. IF YOU CAN GET A DESCRIPTION OF THE PERSON OR CAR/LICENSE NUMBER, WRITE IT DOWN. Let us work together to promote safety and keep our children safe! Sincerely, William K. Lustig Chief of Police
Safety Tips
October 15, 2008 Dear Northfield Resident, In the past few months Northfield and surrounding North Shore communities have been experience an increase in burglaries. I want to take a few moments of your time to talk to you about safety tips to help reduce the risk of becoming a burglary victim. Keep doors and windows closed and securely fastened. An open window or door is an invitation for burglars. Make sure every external door has a sturdy, well-installed deadbolt lock with a minimum of 1 ½ inch bolt and reinforced strike plate with 3 inch screws.
Secure Sliding Glass Doors with commercially available vertical locks to prevent burglars from forcing door open or lifting it off the track. A broomstick or metal rod placed in the track may prevent the door from being forced open but may not stop the door from being lifted out of its track.
Install a peephole or wide-angle viewer in all entry doors. Safety tips to discourage burglars from selecting your home as a potential target:
Trim shrubbery that hides doors or windows. Although trees and shrubbery may be beautiful, they also provide a hiding place for burglars. Cut tree limbs that could help an intruder climb into windows. Remember that a burglar may only need a minute to break into a window or door.
Keep the perimeter of your home well lighted. Illuminate porches, entrances and front/back yards. Consider timers for exterior lights or install motion detectors.
Never leave clues that you are away on a trip. Put lights and a radio on timers to create the illusion that someone is at home when you go away. Leave shades, blinds and curtains in positions to maintain a normal everyday appearance. Cancel newspapers and mail when you are out of town for a period of time.
Keep your yard well maintained. Store ladders and tools inside your locked garage or basement.
Clearly display your house number so police and other emergency vehicles can find your home quickly. Other Safety Tips:
Do not put notes on your door or leave messages on your telephone answering machine noting when you will return. Do not allow “unexpected” repairmen or deliverymen entry into your home. Verify the identity of workmen before allowing entry. Never leave workers unsupervised – they could easily remove your belongings.
Upon your request, and as a free service of the Northfield Police Department, an officer will conduct a security check of your home to point out any weaknesses in security and to make recommendations to provide greater security. In the unlikely event you have been a victim of a burglary, the following points will aid in the investigation: * Keep written records of all furniture, jewelry and electronic products. Keep smaller valuables in a secure place, such as a safety deposit box. * Take pictures or a video of your valuables and keep serial numbers, if possible. This will assist the Police Department in tracking recovered items as well as to document an insurance claim. Please call the Northfield Police Department by dialing 911 to report anything suspicious. If you have any questions please call us at 847-446-2131. Through your assistance the Police Department is better able to insure the safety of the community. Sincerely, William K. Lustig Chief of Police
Letter Reference Burglaries July 2008
Dear Northfield Resident, In the last month there has been an influx in burglary activity in the northern suburbs, including Northfield. With respect to Northfield burglaries, it is apparent that more than one set of offenders is at work, as evidenced by differing methodologies of the crimes. Some are occurring in the middle of the night, some during the day. The nighttime burglaries are almost exclusively being committed against unsecured homes, where the daytime burglaries involve some use of force to gain entry. Items taken from homes include currency, jewelry, and plasma televisions. Sterling silver has also been a target, ostensibly due to its current high value; this includes tea sets, platters and flatware. Silver plated items are often segregated and left behind. Prevention can come in a few forms. First of all, lock your doors and set your alarm at night. Northfield is a community that is by and large safe from violence and many nuisances, but it is not immune to theft and burglary. Oftentimes, weak links in security are exploited, so the more we can secure our homes the better. As precious, and often irreplaceable, jewelry is a common target, consider storing such items in an off-site safe deposit box. Smaller lock boxes and home safes are often taken, less so if they are secured to the floor or a wall. If you don’t have access to a safe or lock box, be creative about where you store your valuables. Avoid the usual places. Another great prevention tool is to report all suspicious activity to the police department. Call us if you see suspicious vehicles or persons or if you hear suspicious noises. Since vehicles or persons may leave the area prior to our arrival, make note of as much detail as possible to give to the dispatcher or officer. Our objective is to find the best possible mix of a high sense security while still allowing you to enjoy your property and valuables. If you have any questions about the security of your home, call Detective Jones at 847 441-3842 to schedule a security review. Sincerely, William K. Lustig Chief of Police
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