Police: Crestwood Village Homes Targeted by Burglar

Police are cautioning residents in some Whiting senior communities to ensure that they secure their homes in an effort to thwart burglaries in the area. 

Officers have been investigating multiple burglaries and attempted burglaries in Crestwood Villages I, VI and VII, in which unlocked doors and windows were used to enter homes, Police Department Capt. Lisa Parker said. 

Police have found that "no further attempt" to enter a home is made by the suspect when he is "confronted with a locked door or window," Parker said. A witness to one incident described the suspect as a younger white male, about 6 feet tall with dark hair.

Money taken from wallets and purses has been the target of the burglar, who appears to strike during the overnight and early morning hours, the captain said. 

"Residents are urged to abide by a few safety tips that can highly increase your chances of not becoming a victim of a burglary," Parker said. "Make sure to lock your doors and windows, and don’t leave valuables in plain sight. Lock your car when you leave it, and take a few minutes to check the doors and windows of your home before going to bed, or before leaving your residence."

External motion sensor lights also can act as a deterrent, and residents are ask to alert police when they notice "anything unusual" happening, Parker said. 

The department can be reached at 732-657-6111.