The village activated its e-mail and telephone notification systems yesterday to inform residents of a rash of residential burglaries and to ask for their assistance in catching the culprits.
Six similar residential burglaries have occurred south of Ogden and north of 55th Street between Main Street and Roslyn Road.
Police Chief Robert Porter’s message warned residents that most of the burglaries have occurred during daytime hours, with entry gained through an unlocked window or door. Jewelry, flat-panel TVs, computers and other electronics have been the main targets.
The DGPD is asking residents to report any suspicious persons or neighborhood activity by calling 911. That would include strangers appearing from between homes, unfamiliar persons knocking on doors and then going to the rear of the residence, unusual dog barking and unfamiliar occupied vehicles, according to the village Web site, which includes additional safety tips.
Residents who have information regarding the incidents are asked to call Detective Jeremy Thayer at (630) 434-5653.
Hitting play on the answering machine and hearing the police chief’s voice booming back at me was kinda unnerving, but it’s comforting at the same time.
I’m a nosy neighbor. If I see someone I don’t recognize wandering around a neighbor’s driveway or parked for a long stretch without getting out of the car, I introduce myself. “Hi! Are you waiting for someone?’ Do you need help finding an address?’ Don’t be intimidated and don’t be afraid to look foolish (then again I’m an expert at looking foolish..).
I have more than 1 neighbor who lives alone, and I can tell you for certain that they appreciate my nosyness. Be nosy.
I do the same Meat. It’s not foolish at all. My neighbor across the street jokes with me and calls me the neighbor hood watch captain. We have many neighbors on our block who are very vigilant with respect to keeping the neighborhood safe, including the neighbor who jokes with me! He texts me when I leave my garage door open too long…Good neighbors. That is what makes Downers such a great place to live.
I’ve dorked out by doing the same thing at the high school — “suspicious”-looking van parked outside with something “suspicious” strapped on top and “suspicious” people sitting inside after the bell had rung.
Called the cops. Turned out it was a student awaiting the Vo-Tech bus.
Never fear, Elaine is here.