:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/shawmedia/DVPCODY6RZBULPEYZJOW73UM3U.png)
The Geneva Police Department are looking for a Ford Explorer as part of an investigation into a series of vehicle burglaries reported early on Feb. 13.
Nearly 20 vehicles were reported burglarized in the following locations:
- Andover Lane
- Bedford Lane
- Bridgeport Lane
- Brookfield Lane
- Greenwich Lane
- Normandy Lane
- Sheffield Lane
- Southampton Court
- Southampton Drive
- Williamsburg Avenue
Geneva Police officers responded to the area and identified a possible suspicious vehicle, a white 1999 Ford Explorer, bearing Illinois license plate registration ET97912. The vehicle fled from the area when officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop.
Geneva Police Department policy prohibits officers from pursuing vehicles suspected to have been involved with only property crimes. Police are working to locate the Ford Explorer and identify the driver.
Residents who have information, including doorbell or security video footage, are encouraged to call the Geneva Police Department at 630-232-4736.
Geneva Police remind residents about the dangers of leaving valuables inside their vehicles overnight, especially with the doors unlocked.
Residents can help police by making their cars less of a target. People should lock their vehicles and remove valuables, such as computers, phones, electronics, purses, keys, garage door openers, etc., from their cars at night. Residents should make sure their garage door is closed, windows are secured, and access doors to the garage and home are locked.
Outdoor lighting may act as a deterrent in some cases since many of these car burglaries occur under the cover of darkness. The majority of car burglaries are crimes of opportunity and are preventable. Geneva Police thanks the community for working together to keep Geneva a safe place to live.
People should immediately report all suspicious activity to the Geneva Police Department by calling 911. Police are able to respond quicker when information is conveyed in a timely manner, which may be the key to solving a crime.