Highland Park warns of holiday burglaries following arrest of two men

In conjunction with a regional task force, Highland Park police arrested two men Dec. 4 after they allegedly were caught burglarizing a local home.

A homeowner at in the 1100 block of Hilary Lane reportedly interrupted the burglary before any items were stolen, said Amanda Bennett, the city’s communications director. The alleged offenders, who reportedly gained access to the home via forced entry, were not on scene when police arrived; however, they were caught around 10 p.m.

An investigation from the North Regional Major Crimes Task Force determined the two men allegedly also were involved in the burglaries of homes in unincorporated Libertyville, Gurnee and Lincolnshire, according to a release from Lake County. 

The Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office approved four burglary charges for one of the men and one for the other.

Bennett said that this time of year the city encourages residents to take extra steps to guard against burglaries and thefts, amid the holiday season approaches and as the sun sets before people arrive home from work.

“Reporting suspicious behaviors can assist law enforcement in preventing crimes,” Bennett said.

Car thefts also become more common this time of year,” she said, and local law enforcement recommends using a 9 p.m. routine of ensuring car doors are locked and no valuables are left inside.

Bennett said officials also suggest keeping shrubbery around windows trimmed and ensuring proper outside lighting at night.

For more safety recommendations specific to your residence, arrange a home visit by going to cityhpil.com/pbc.

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