The Police Station lobby is always available as a safe venue for finalizing transactions or conducting exchanges. The lobby, located in the lower level of Village Hall at 123 Madison St., is well-lit and staffed 24 hours a day. Residents are encouraged to make use of the lobby if they are buying or selling items online that require an in-person transaction. For more information go to www.oak-park.us/policelobby.

After a crime has been reported, officers routinely look for private security cameras when canvasing a neighborhood. By setting up a more formal, but voluntary camera registration process, officers know almost immediately if video evidence might be available at a particular location and who to contact to retrieve it. Both residential and commercial property owners are invited to register. All registrant information and any video files provided will be kept confidential and only be used in crime investigations. Visit www.oak-park.us/policevideo to register your camera.

A winter reminder that Village ordinance requires snow and ice to be removed from the public sidewalk within 24 hours following any snow, sleet or freezing rain. Please do your part as a property owner. And be a good neighbor by looking out for those who may need help with snow removal. For more information on the shoveling requirement or help finding resources, call 708.358.5700 or email publicworks@oak-park.us.

Any resident uneasy about walking to or from a public transit stop, public garage or other site in the community may contact the Oak Park Police Department for an escort from dusk until dawn. Call 708.386.3800 for information or an escort.

One of the leading causes of home fires during the winter months is heating equipment, especially space heaters. The Oak Park Fire Department reminds residents to be cautious with alternative heat sources. All heaters need space. Keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet away from heating equipment. Review this tip sheet to help prevent home heating fires.