Burglary Prevention

Residential Burglary PreventionEach year in the U.S. there are more than five million home burglaries. Residents may take some simple steps to make your home more visible and less susceptible to a burglary. If you're traveling away from home, you may notify the Woodridge Police Department to set up a vacation watch. 

• Use your locks. Even the best locks can't protect you if you don't use them. Make sure to lock your windows and patio doors as well.
• Do some yard work. Trim hedges and bushes so thieves can't hide out, particularly around entryways and windows.
• Know your neighbors. Neighbors who look out for each other are among the best, and least expensive, defenses against crime.
• Make sure your home is well-illuminated so burglars can't hide from pedestrians and motorists.
• Notify the Woodridge Police Department when leaving for vacation so they can provide an extra watch of your residence.
• Call 911 to report suspicious activity. If you hesitate, it might be too late. 

Ruse Entry BurglaryRuse entry burglaries are an attempt to gain entry into someone’s house through deception, usually with the intent to steal valuables or cash money kept in a house. Offenders will often target senior citizens during daylight hours by posing as outside workers, such as surveyors, utility company workers or city water department employees or tree trimmers, to get homeowners outside and lure them away from the front entrance. Once the homeowner is outside the home, another offender will sneak inside the home to snatch small items, such as jewelry, flatware or cash. Ruse entry burglaries are on the rise and occur throughout the metropolitan Chicago area. The Woodridge Police Department wants to notify the public to be proactive and asks neighbors to watch out for elderly residents who live nearby. The Police Department would also like to remind residents that all Village of Woodridge employees can be identified by their Village of Woodridge ID, uniform, and Village vehicle. The Woodridge Police Department also recommends the following measures:

• Be alert at all times and report any suspicious subjects/vehicles in your neighborhood.
• KEEP YOUR HOME LOCKED (even when you’re in the yard).
• Do not allow anyone access to your home without a proper appointment and verification (i.e., picture ID’s and/or written correspondence); when in doubt, call the police.
• Be suspicious of anyone who knocks on your door with an offer that sounds “TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE.”
• Finally, never pay for work in advance; always pay at the conclusion of the job.

Please remain alert for any activity that appears to be not normal in your neighborhood and call the police immediately when something suspicious occurs.
Motor Vehicle BurglaryMany motor vehicle burglaries are often the result of unlocked vehicles. Please read the following recommendations on how to further protect yourself from a car burglary.

Hide your valuables.
Do not leave personal or valuable items in plain view; this includes GPS systems. Avoid using the console or glove box as mobile lock boxes. Rather, residents are encouraged to lock all valuables inside the trunk or store them in your home.

Keep your car visible.
Try to park in busy well-lighted areas. This will help to prevent car burglaries because thieves do not like the light and the public attention. It’s also a good idea for personal safety.

Trust your instincts.
If you see suspicious activity, find somewhere else to park. Do not confront anyone: If you're concerned, report your suspicions to the police. By reporting suspicious activity to the proper authorities, you can help prevent others from becoming a victim of a car burglary or another crime.

Make burglaries difficult.
Always check to make sure your doors are locked and windows are rolled up. If you have a security system, make sure to activate it when you exit the vehicle.