Fight burglaries by helping each other

SUN CITY – Among the many leads that Huntley Police are checking regarding five burglaries that have occurred in Sun City in the last five months, one potentially significant, “long-shot” pattern has emerged.

They all have occurred four to five weeks apart.

The Sun Day met with Deputy Chief Todd Fulton of the Huntley Police Department last week to obtain the latest information on these incidents from the law enforcement agency investigating them. Fulton produced a list of the five burglaries that includes the dates they occurred and where.

On April 21, entry was attempted through the front door of a home on Bittersweet Lane in Neighborhood 14. No entry was made.

On May 18, 28 days later, entry was gained by forcing open the front door of a home on Stonewater Crossing in Neighborhood 10. Jewelry, cash, and watches were taken.

On June 18, 31 days later, entry was attempted through a front window of a home on Golfview Drive in Neighborhood 9. No entry was made.

On July 22, 34 days later, entry was made, apparently through an unlocked back door of a home on Summer Ridge in Neighborhood 14. Jewelry, cash, and watches were taken.

On August 18, 27 days later, entry was gained by forcing open a front door of a home on Illinois Drive in Neighborhood 4. Jewelry and cash were taken.

All five incidents occurred in the late morning or early afternoon hours, and in all of them the residents were not at home when they occurred.

“The daytime aspect is not typical of burglaries,” Fulton said. “Most of the time, residential burglaries occur at night or in the early morning hours. He did not describe the timing pattern listed above as significant. “It’s just one of many things we are investigating,” he said.

He said Sgt. Michael Hewitt and another investigator have been assigned to investigate these incidents and to give it top priority until further notice.

“We are checking every lead we get or can generate ourselves,” Fulton said. “We also want to assure Sun City residents that we have a significant number of people in the community on bike and car patrols, especially since these incidents started.”

He praised the work of Neighborhood Watch groups, some of which have become active in keeping residents informed about the problem and advising them on ways to prevent damage to their homes and/or loss of possessions.

“The biggest thing Sun City residents can do is watch out for each other,” he said. “Neighborhood Watch activities are excellent, and patrolling your neighborhood to check out any suspicious or rarely seen activity is a great idea. As you drive out of your driveway, take a look around for any unusual activity, or drive a short distance away and park for a moment, and scan the area for suspicious activity.”

He used the occasion to advise residents to be sure their doors and windows are locked when they leave, and to keep them locked even when they are home. “When you leave for more than a weekend or a day, advise your neighbors and ask them to check on your house,” he said. “Stop newspaper and mail delivery if you’re going to be gone for a few days or more. Leave some lights on inside your home while you’re gone.

One neighborhood watch group advised residents to upgrade or strengthen the hardware and construction of their entry doors. Some e-mailers have said they could provide the names of residents or vendors who could do the work.  

“These incidents are unfortunate, but they don’t mean that Sun City is unsafe,” Fulton said. “The community is a very safe area, has no violent crime, and only has experienced minor injury traffic accidents. It remains a very safe and attractive place.”

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