Norridge officials are asking residents to be vigilant against any suspicious activity in the wake of a rash of burglaries over the past month in which thieves have posed as snow shovelers or used other guises to get into homes.
The village posted an alert on Facebook, and followed up with a community alert Wednesday asking residents to call 911 if they see any suspicious behavior.
“These offenders have been known to ring your bell or knock on your door claiming to be utility representatives, solicitors or even snow shovelers,” officials said in their alert. “Do not open your door for any unexpected person or persons. Also, be aware of any occupied vehicles parked on your street for a long period of time. Please make sure you always keep your house, garage and cars locked and be aware of your surroundings at all times.”
The latest reports occurred Tuesday after 6 p.m., with police responding to several attempted residential burglaries within about a two-hour span.
While responding to one attempted burglary, police received another call of a burglary in progress, said Norridge Police Chief Dave Disselhorst. An officer responded and saw a car backing out of the driveway, he said.
The officer then pursued the fleeing vehicle, getting a picture of the license plate, Disselhorst said. He said when speeds got to the point where they were considered reckless, the officer terminated the pursuit.
When police tracked the license plate down, they determined that the vehicle had been stolen, Disselhorst said.
