Between October 3, 2019 and October 7, 2019 the River Forest Police Department received reports of eight (8) separate Burglaries to garages or vehicles. Most of the reported losses were loose change, but a credit card taken in one of the Burglaries was used at a nearby gas station. In addition to those items, an air conditioner, a power washer, and a cell phone were also stolen. On October 6, 2019 a resident took video of a vehicle, which was parked in front of her residence, that subsequently two subjects entered after being in her backyard. Also, River Forest investigators were able to review the video surveillance where the credit card was used and determine that the offenders were using the same vehicle from the picture that the resident provided.
On October 11, 2019 an officer observed the offending vehicle at the same gas station where the credit card was previously used. Investigators stopped the vehicle and driver Lawrence Burks, a 23-year old male from Maywood. Burks was the registered owner of the vehicle and was found to be in possession of two replica handguns, and numerous items associated with the delivery of narcotics. He was taken into custody, and later admitted that he was responsible for the recent reported Burglaries. Investigators located several proceeds that were taken from the Burglaries at a nearby pawn shop, and recovered those items on behalf of the victims. After consulting with the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Felony Review Unit, Lawrence Burks was charged with three counts of Burglary and one count of Unlawful Possession of a Credit Card. Burks is also being investigated as the alleged offender in a Maywood Burglary, and a Cicero Armed Robbery.
“This investigation and arrest is an excellent example of partnering with residents and businesses to solve crimes by the use of security video technology and detailed credit card account data. In addition, door-to-door neighborhood canvasing by officers netted several fruitful leads. Please remember to always be aware of your surroundings, stay alert, and call 911 to report any crimes or suspicious activity.” – Chief James O’Shea
The public is reminded that a signed complaint is not evidence of guilt, and that all defendants in a criminal case are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
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