La Grange patrol officers have been busy reminding residents that it’s good to lock doors and windows if they want to avoid a burglary.

Meanwhile, a 17-year-old La Grange man arrested early Sunday  on the 800 block of Madison Avenue admitted to about 60 break-ins after a resident reported seeing him hiding in bushes.

Officers on the midnight shift this year have made more than 750 security notifications to residents with windows, doors and garages open or unlocked.

The reason, said Police Chief Michael Holub, is an increase in thefts from vehicles in La Grange and surrounding communities. Since June, more than 80 incidences of car break-ins have been reported. The frustrating thing, Holub said, is that 80 percent of those involved unlocked vehicles.

“We’ve been trying to remind our residents from keeping stuff out of plain view and to lock their vehicles,” he said.

Officers have been leaving a tag at homes where they have had to close doors or windows, and in some cases have talked to residents about their security breach.

“We’ve been aggressive to keep people from doing it,” Holub said.

Some residents have expressed concerns for their safety or the safety of their children as a result of the extra vigilance by police and efforts to make residents more aware. Holub said there’s no need for alarm.

“These are just thieves that run away in the night,” he said. “People are not the targets — it’s property.”

Village Manager Robert Pilipiszyn reaffirmed the problem is property theft and residents should not be overly concerned about more serious crimes.

“These are crimes of opportunities as opposed to crimes of personal safety,” he said. “Enhanced vigilance will be a significant deterrent against these crimes.”

Holub said the alleged burglar, who has not yet been charged, lives on the block where he was apprehended and was headed home with items he had taken from vehicles.

“The next thing is sorting this all out and determining what we can charge him with,” Holub said. “We appreciate that the resident called us and didn’t just brush this off.”

Officers also found six unlocked vehicles near where the teen was caught.

Police urge residents to report any suspicious activity, such as someone parking in one spot then walking to another, which might indicate they are going elsewhere to commit a theft. Strange noises or excessive barking of dogs should be reported by calling 911. 

More information is available at (708) 579-2334.