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
Serving Wadsworth properties in Benton Township

POLICE

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

 

Vehicle, Home, and Ruse Burglary Prevention Tips

Anyone can be a victim of a theft crime, anytime or anywhere. Oftentimes, such common violations are “crimes of opportunity.” Offenders target property and people that they believe are easy "marks". Although these types of crime are frequent, you can prevent them by following the following suggestions:

Vehicle Burglary Prevention Tips   

• 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.

Home Burglary Prevention Tips

• Always lock your residence.
• Keep outside lights on, and use motion sensor lights.
• Make your empty home look occupied by using automatic light timers.
• Do not allow mail or garbage to pile up.

Ruse Burglary Prevention Tips

A “ruse” burglary is a crime in which the offenders uses a ruse to get their victim distracted in order to commit a burglary. The victim is physically present at the home when the burglary is taking place. The ruse burglars often target a senior citizen or an individual living alone. These offenders generally travel in pairs, allowing one offender to distract the homeowner while the other offender surreptitiously enters the home to search for and steal cash, jewelry, and other valuable items. Ruse offenders use many believable story lines. including:

     • Repairing brick pavers.

     • Blacktopping, seal-coating, or driveway repairs.   

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

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

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

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

     • Questions about the homeowner’s property lines.

     • Inquiries about homes for sale in the neighborhood.

Do not allow any people in your home unless you know them personally, or it is a scheduled appointment. If you live near a senior citizen, then warn him or her of such unseen dangers. If an unbidden solicitor comes to your residence, then ask for his or her Village of Wadsworth license, take notice of the vehicle that the solicitor is driving (that is, make, model, color, type, etc.), and the questionable character's attire and physical characteristics.

If you do choose to speak with a solicitor or utility worker, then never leave your front door unlocked or unattended. Furthermore, a legitimate utility or government worker will never object if you ask for identification. You may also verify with the utility company or local government agency if the individual was sent to your residence.

In all of the above situations involving theft, please call the Lake County Sheriff’s Office at 847-549-5200 to report these incidents, or call 9-1-1 if the crime is still in progress.   

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