Friday, January 28, 2022   |   View in browser

Evanston Police Department

This week’s newsletter is a recap of major incidents reported between January 13, 2022 and January 26, 2022. Sign up for the newsletter here.

Major Incidents

Attempted Robbery: On January 15, 2022, around 4:30 p.m., the victim reported that an unknown subject approached her in her garage near the 800 block of Dobson. The subject demanded money. The victim told him that she didn’t have any money. The subject shoved her and then fled on foot. The victim was not injured.

Motor Vehicle Thefts: Nine vehicles were reported stolen from Evanston, and another one was attempted. In two instances, the cars were left running, and another four vehicles were reported to have a key or key fob left inside the vehicle. All of the vehicles were parked on the street or in driveways. Please do not leave your vehicle unattended with keys inside. 

Residential Burglaries: Four residences were burglarized, and entry was attempted at two additional residences. Two of the residences were entered by subject(s) using pry tools on their door. The other residences were entered through unsecured rear doors. Items taken included jewelry and electronics. Just a reminder, please secure your doors when you’re not at home. 

Commercial Burglaries: Two offices were entered by force, and miscellaneous supplies were taken. Three convenience stores/gas stations were entered by subjects breaking the front door glass. Officers encountered a group of subjects who attempted to break into a fourth location. The subjects fled in their vehicle. In the Chicagoland area, there are currently multiple trends of subjects forcing entry into convenience stores and gas stations and taking alcohol, cigarettes, and lottery tickets. Detectives continue to investigate.

Vehicle Burglaries: Five cars were burglarized. In four of the five incidents, the cars were left unlocked and either had items in plain view or USC (often change) available in the vehicles. One vehicle was entered by breaking a window. Please note that a vehicle is much more likely to be burglarized if it is left unsecured. 

Package Thefts: Seven package thefts were reported to the police department last week. The thefts this week occurred mostly in the late morning or early afternoon hours. The majority of thefts were from common areas in multi-unit buildings.

Catalytic Converter Thefts: Three vehicles had their catalytic converters taken. This is an opportunistic crime that usually targets specific vehicles - in Evanston, they’re most often Hondas and Toyotas

Other Information

Crime Prevention Alert: Five victims reported their wallets being taken from their purses or from their persons during the past two weeks. These incidents occurred in a variety of locations, including grocery stores, department stores, and restaurants. There are some simple ways to protect yourself:

• Oftentimes, pickpockets work in crews. Be mindful if someone tries to distract you from your shopping cart. 
• Do not leave your purse unattended. If your purse is in the car, keep your cart close to you. 
• If you have your wallet on your person, be sure to keep it in a deep pocket, or in your front pocket. 
• Carry your purse or bag across your body, rather than over your shoulder.

If you’re a victim of a theft, please report it to the police department.

Child Safety Seat Installation

In the State of Illinois, all children under the age of eight must be secured in an appropriate child safety seat.  Child safety seats include infant seats, convertible seats (Rear-facing for infants and forward-facing for toddlers), and booster seats that are used with the vehicle’s lap and shoulder belt system. Click here to submit an online request.

Recovered Property

When lost property is recovered and turned into the police department, every reasonable attempt will be made to identify and return the property to its rightful owner. In many instances property is recovered but never reunited with its owner because there was never a report filed. If you have an item that you have lost or had stolen in Evanston, your first action should be to file a police report.

Even if you have not filed a report, you can still check with the Property Bureau during the Public Operating Hours to see if an item has been turned in. You can contact the Bureau at 847-866-5029. You can also check our list of recently recovered property online. Our listing features items of lost, abandoned, or mislaid property that has been turned in to, or recovered by, our department. This list is updated daily and allows you to easily contact us by email if you believe an item may be yours. Please remember that if you think an item is yours, you will be required to provide additional proof of ownership. Click here to check the property listings.

Gun Buyback Program

The Gun Buyback Program is an opportunity for Evanston residents to turn in a functioning firearm to the Evanston Police, and in turn, receive $100. Call 311 or the Evanston Police Department non-emergency line at 847-866-5000. A police officer will pick up the unwanted firearm at the resident's address and present the resident with a voucher that can be exchanged for $100 at the City Collector’s Office located in the Morton Civic Center, 2100 Ridge Ave.

Please do not bring a firearm to the police department without approval from an EPD supervisor.