Due to several auto thefts, burglary to autos, and attempts to commit these crimes, the River Forest Police is asking all residents to call 911 when they see suspicious activity or suspicious vehicles. These incidents occurred overnight and into the early morning. Areas off of Madison Street, Chicago Avenue, Augusta Street, and North Avenue were targeted. The offenders are males that are usually entering the Village driving stolen cars. In one incident, a car stolen in Elmwood Park was left behind while a River Forest resident's car was taken. In another event, a resident saw the offenders and called police. The car driven by the offenders fled from police and was last seen eastbound on the 290 at a high rate of speed.
In almost all of these incidents, the cars were unlocked and also keys were left in the vehicles. Please lock car and garage doors, secure keys in your residence, activate alarm systems, and enhance exterior lighting if possible.
The River Forest Police are working in cooperation with other law enforcement agencies, and have increased both plain clothes and uniform patrols. Once again, we are asking all residents to call 911 when they see suspicious activity or suspicious vehicles. Please contact the RFPD Detective Unit or Crime Prevention Unit at (708) 366-7125 with any information that would assist in the investigations or with general questions.
Chief James O'Shea
River Forest Police Department