SUN CITY – A rash of robberies across Sun City has provoked the concern of residents eager for answers and ways to protect themselves and their property.
Residents packed Drendel Ballroom on March 7 for an evening meeting with Huntley Police Chief John Perkins.
“As a police chief, I’m as disappointed as you are,” Perkins said. “It’s your community – this is a very safe community, always has been.”
— Call 9-1-1 if you see something suspicious
— Huntley Police non-emergency number 847-515-5311
— Neighborhood watch
— Check surroundings
— Limit distribution of keys before leaving home
— Take inventory of valuable items, take pictures and serial numbers
Target Hardening
— Double-cylinder deadbolt locks
— Door alarms
— Safe for jewelry, cash
— Motion sensor lights
— Security system
Nine burglaries and two attempted burglaries have taken place in Sun City since last January, causing ordinarily quiet Sun City to have more crime than the rest of Huntley, Perkins said.
Perkins discussed each burglary and examined trends between them. Though spread across Sun City, most were near main roads of the community. Most occurred during the day, and most homes were entered with use of a pry tool through the front door. Jewelry and cash were most frequently taken.
The Huntley Police Department considers this a priority detective case and is still investigating the matter, so no details on evidence or suspects were given at the meeting. Perkins did mention the police have leads on the case, however, and said they have tripled patrols in Sun City since February.
The department is also working with nearby jurisdictions with similar cases of theft. It is in the process of activating citizen patrols in Sun City and has interviewed several service workers in the community for any possible leads.
If a resident is on vacation, they can let the Huntley Police Department know, and officers will check on the home while they are away.
In addition to the police’s efforts, Perkins explained what residents can do to keep their community safe. He assured residents that suspicious activity warrants a 9-1-1 call.
“If somebody’s walking by, be suspicious; be that snoopy neighbor because this is what we need right now,” Perkins said.
He told residents to look out for their neighbors. For example, residents should take newspapers off driveways and flyers off neighbors’ doors and mailboxes: several papers or flyers left out are a sign that the resident is away.
Home modifications can also help. Many homes in Sun City feature a recessed front entrance that can conceal burglars. Perkins offered several counters to this, including motion detecting lights and door alarms.
Another investment in security Perkins mentioned is the double-cylinder deadbolt lock. Unlike single-cylinder deadbolts, these locks have no twist knob on the inside: they must be opened with a key from both sides. This prevents burglars from being able to open a window and turn open the deadbolt from the inside.
Though none of the victims were present when their homes were burglarized, Perkins advised against fighting intruders, saying no property is worth getting hurt over.
“If you’re home and somebody pops that front door, a good, healthy scream or a ‘Get the heck out of here!’ would probably be the proper thing to do immediately,” he said. “If not, I would retreat. I certainly wouldn’t confront somebody; it’s not worth it.”
When asked by residents about the possibilities of installing surveillance cameras around Sun City to read car license plates or a gated-entry system to keep intruders out, Perkins opposed these ideas, citing the cost and infringement on privacy as factors.
