Local Police Reports

Park Forest Police Issue Community Alert Regarding Burglaries/Thefts from Vacant Properties


Park Forest Police Station
The Park Forest Police Station. (Photo: Gary Kopycinski)

Park Forest, IL–(ENEWSPF)– The Park Forest Police Department issued a Community Alert Wednesday regarding the number of burglaries and/or thefts from vacant properties. The warning certainly is not only for residents of Park Forest, given the elevated number of vacant properties in the Chicagoland area and, indeed, the nation, due to the housing and foreclosure crisis.

The following statement urges residents to call 911 if they see anything of a suspicious nature:

Park Forest, as with South Suburban communities, has a number of vacant properties. In recent weeks, there have been an increasing number of reported burglaries to these vacant properties. Items taken during these incidents include copper piping, wiring, appliances, window and central air-conditioning units, and even aluminum siding.

The Park Forest Police Department is asking for residents’ help to stop and solve these crimes. All residents are asked to be aware of vacant houses in their neighborhoods and keep extra watch over them. Call police if anyone is seen at or inside these houses. The offenders in these incidents often utilize cargo-type vans and/or pickup trucks that would make it appear that they are contractors who belong at the property. Even if it appears that the people at the vacant house might be there to remodel, rehab, or check on the property, please called police. The police department will determine if the individuals have a right to be there.

By working together, the residents of Park Forest and the Park Forest Police can continue to maintain the quality of life in our Village.

As always, if you see any activity that you find unusual or suspicious, you are urged to contact police via 911.


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