All Emergencies - DIAL 9-1-1

FIRE DEPARTMENTS

Newport Township Fire Protection District Non-Emergency Number: 847.336.1080
Serving Wadsworth properties in Newport Township

Warren-Waukegan Fire Protection District (Gurnee Fire Department) Non-Emergency Number: 847.599.6600
Serving Wadsworth properties in Warren Township

Winthrop Harbor Fire Protection District (Winthrop Harbor Fire Department) Non-Emergency Number: 847.872.5957
Service Wadsworth properties in Benton Township

POLICE

Lake County Sheriff's Office Non-Emergency Number: 847.549.5200

 

Lake County Sheriff Offers Vehicle, Home and Ruse Burglary Prevention Tips

Everyone can be a victim of a crime anytime or anywhere.  During the holiday’s, vehicle burglaries tend to increase.  Oftentimes these common crimes are “crimes of opportunity.”  Offenders target vehicles that they believe are easy to access.  Although these types of crimes are frequent, you can prevent them by following these suggestions:

• Always lock your vehicle.
• Take your keys with you.
• Never hide a spare key in or on your vehicle.
• Park in well-lit areas.
• Hide or remove your valuables.
• Never leave your vehicle running while it is unattended.

“Following these suggestions will reduce the chance you will fall victim to a vehicle burglary or other crime,” said Sheriff Mark C. Curran, Jr.

Home Burglary Prevention Tips

• Always lock your residence.
• Keep outside lights on and use motion sensor lights.
• Make your home appear to be occupied.  If you are away use automatic timers on lights.
• Don’t allow mail or garbage to pile up.
• Be aware of your surroundings.  If you see something unusual, call the police.

Ruse Burglary Prevention Tips

“Ruse” burglaries are crimes in which the offender uses a “ruse” to get their victim distracted in order to commit a burglary. Victims are physically present at the home when the burglary is taking place. Ruse burglars target seniors and people living alone. The offenders generally travel in pairs, allowing one offender to distract the homeowner while the other offender enters the home to search for and steal cash, jewelry and other items. Offenders use many story lines including:

• Repairing unilock pavers.

• Blacktop, seal-coating, or driveway repair.scam-alert.jpg

• Inquiries about the homeowner’s water supply or water pressure.

• Informing the homeowner there is an electrical problem outside of the home.

• Offering to repair gutters, fences or tree trimming and landscaping.

• False statements about problems with the neighbor’s house.

• Questions about homeowner’s property lines.

• Inquiries about homes for sale in the neighborhood.

Do not allow anyone in your home unless you know them personally or it is a scheduled appointment. If you live near a senior citizen, warn them.  If a solicitor comes to your residence, take notice of the vehicle they are driving (make, model, color, type) and their attire and physical characteristics.

If you do not choose to speak with a solicitor or utility worker, never leave your front door unlocked or unattended. A legitimate utility or government worker will never object if you ask for ID. You may verify with the utility company or local government agency if the individual was sent to your residence.

If you feel you were the victim of a ruse burglary or if you have seen suspicious vehicles and/or subjects approaching elderly neighbors, please call the Lake County Sheriff’s Office at 847-549-5200 to report these incidents, or call 911 if the incident is in progress. Please be ready to provide the offender’s vehicle description and a license plate number.