Clarendon Hills police are investigating roughly five overnight vehicle break-ins on three residential streets after someone rummaged through unlocked cars parked in driveways.

Police Chief Edward Leinweber detailed the incidents in his weekly activity report dated Oct. 23. The department responded to approximately five reports of vehicles being rummaged through overnight on Mohawk, Arthur and Woodstock streets. All of the targeted vehicles were believed to have been unlocked at the time. Other than a possible pair of sunglasses, nothing was reported missing.

The investigation is ongoing. No suspect has been identified or arrested in connection with the break-ins, according to the chief's report.

In a separate but apparently related incident on Monday, Oct. 19, a resident called police at 1:12 a.m. after spotting a suspicious person going through their vehicle in the driveway. The resident yelled at the suspect, who ran to a vehicle parked in the roadway and fled the area. Nothing was reported missing from that vehicle either.

The chief's report does not specify which night or nights the five additional break-ins on Mohawk, Arthur and Woodstock occurred.

The Village of Clarendon Hills posted on Instagram on Oct. 20, urging residents to follow the department's #9PMRoutine in response to the incidents. The department's checklist asks residents to remove all valuables from vehicles, including garage door openers, lock and secure vehicles, never leave keys in the car, lock homes and garages, turn on outside lights and report suspicious activity.

The break-in cluster comes during a busy weekend for the village. Leinweber's report noted that department staff finalized plans for the Halloween Walk in the Clarendon Hills business district on Saturday, Oct. 24, from 3 to 6 p.m., and the annual Blackhawk Heights Halloween Parade on Sunday afternoon. Both events bring extra foot traffic to residential neighborhoods.

Residents who see suspicious activity can contact the Clarendon Hills Police Department at 630-286-5460.

Clarendon Hills public safety week ahead

  • Saturday, Oct. 24, 3–6 p.m.: Halloween Walk, Clarendon Hills business district. Police staff assisting with event safety.
  • Sunday, Oct. 25, afternoon: Blackhawk Heights Halloween Parade. Start time was not listed in the chief's report.