Lincolnshire E-News

What is the Police Department Doing to Deter These Crimes?

• The Village Board of Trustees approved installation of Automatic License Plate Reader Flock cameras on the main Village roadways in 2023. Flock License Plate Reader Systems will allow the Police Department to access their data and enter data into the system to share information with other law enforcement agencies.

• The Village requires permitted solicitors to wear green, Village-issued vests. Would-be burglars often ring the doorbell to see if anyone is home. If you answer the door, the burglar will likely make up a story, including soliciting products like a new roof or fence, looking for a lost dog, or claiming to be at the wrong house. Dial 911 immediately if this happens to you, and learn more about ruse burglaries HERE.

• Continued increased police patrols throughout the neighborhoods.

• Crimes reported to the police are thoroughly investigated by detectives through several techniques:

  • Neighborhood canvassing includes talking to neighbors and obtaining video surveillance,

  • Collecting evidence and sending it to the crime lab for analysis,

  • Following up on all information,

  • Working with neighboring police departments on similar crimes, and

  • Coordinating efforts with a specialized burglary task force in suspect and vehicle identifications.

• The Police Department also offers two great programs to educate residents and assist in preventing these crimes from happening.

  • Call 847-913-2350 to receive a home security inspection where Lincolnshire officers will walk your property with you and make suggestions for improving the overall safety and security of your home.

  • Sign up for Vacation Watch with the Police Department prior to leaving home. Officers will periodically check your property while you are away.

How Can I Protect My Property?

The best way you can protect your property is by actively securing it – even when you’re home. A careful inspection of your home’s security features can help indicate whether entry into your home is easy for a prospective burglar. A security inspection begins at the front door and goes on to include side and rear doors, windows, locks, lights, and landscaping. Most security modifications are simple and relatively cost-effective. Below are a few examples of key vulnerability issues to evaluate:

• Lock all windows and doors in your home, garage, and vehicle when you’re not actively using them.

• Practice the 9 P.M. Routine
  
  

• Secure sliding glass doors with a metal or wood rod along the bottom track and/or install vertical bolts along the top track.

• Put any ladders, shovels, or other tools into a secure storage area after you use them.

• Consider adding extra security features to your homes such as an alarm system or cameras. If you have exterior cameras, check the sensitivity area and increase it to a wider span.

• All exterior doors should be solid core or of metal construction. If an exterior door has windows, use a high-quality cylinder deadbolt lock at least 40 inches from the glass.

• Do not post on social media when you are on vacation or not at home for extended periods of time. Sign up for Vacation Watch with the Police Department prior to leaving home. Ask your neighbors to put your garbage cans away and take in any mail, newspapers, or packages.

• Learn how to spot ruse burglaries. Ruse burglars pose as Village employees or contractors to distract you. While one burglar has your attention, another enters your home.

• Show signs of activity at your property while you’re away like putting outdoor lights on a timer, keeping a television or radio on at a reasonable volume, and asking a neighbor to mow your lawn and check in on your home.

As a service to residents, the Police Department offers home security inspections. Contact 847-913-2350 to make an appointment with one of our officers.

How Can My Neighborhood Help the Police Department?

Nobody knows your neighborhood better than you and your neighbors! You may not think about it, but you probably know your neighbor's schedule and they know yours. You know when they get home from work, what car they drive, if work is occurring on their property, and so much more. By relying on each other as an extra set of eyes and ears, your property is safer, and valuable information can be shared with the Police Department when something doesn’t seem right. Below are a few tips on how your neighborhood can work together:

• Notice vehicles, persons, or groups who look unfamiliar to your neighborhood and immediately report them to the Lincolnshire Police Department.

• Ask a neighbor to keep an eye on your property if your normal schedule is disrupted or if you’re going on vacation. Neighbors can take in your mail, newspapers, and deliveries; put away garbage cans; mow your lawn, and report if there is unexpected activity at your home. Residents should also sign up for Vacation Watch with the Police Department prior to leaving home.

• Contact the Lincolnshire Police Department if you hear any noise at your neighbor’s property that sounds out of place like glass breaking, unusual movement, home and car doors shutting, or any other suspicious noises. Be extra vigilant if you hear the noise while your neighbor is typically away or at night.

• Homeowners Associations can invest in license plate readers for their private streets. To learn more about this program, contact the Lincolnshire Police Department at 847-913-2350.