Valuables were reported missing from unlocked cars in the Fisher Farms and Pepper Valley subdivisions. In one incident, the unknown offenders stole a vehicle from a driveway. The car was later recovered in Chicago.

Geneva police took a proactive measure last month with communication alerting residents about the dangers of leaving car doors unlocked after similar crimes were committed in neighboring communities. The department wants to continue to highlight several important safety tips to help curtail this type of crime.

People are encouraged to report all suspicious activity to the Police Department immediately. The information provided may be the key to solving a crime in their neighborhood.

In an effort to make property less of a target, lock the vehicle and remove valuables (computers, mp3 players, purses, keys, etc.) from the car at night. Residents should make sure their garage door is closed, windows are secured and access doors to the garage and home are locked.

Outdoor lighting may act as a deterrent in some cases since many of these car burglaries occur under the cover of darkness.

The majority of car burglaries are crimes of opportunity and are preventable. The Police Department would like to thank the community for working together to keep Geneva a safe place to live.

SOURCE: city of Geneva news release