Security video of suspected offender vehicle at Morton Grove Fitness Center on January 17, 2011 about 6:30 p.m. Offender vehicle caught on video — dark red or maroon minivan. Offenders thin or medium builds with light-colored hooded coats.
The Arlington Heights Police Department is investigating six or eight vehicle burglaries, which all occurred on Friday, February 4th, 2011 at the following Arlington Heights fitness centers:
Arlington Hts. Park District Heritage Tennis Club
7 W. College Dr.
between 8:15pm – 10:30pm
Elite Athletic Development
12 W. College Dr.
between 10:15am-10:30am.
(A silver Honda Pilot and two other vehicles burglarized at this location)
The unknown offender or offenders shattered vehicle windows and removed purses in all eight incidents. The purses were in plain view on the front seats or on the floor behind the front seats of the victim’s vehicles. The purses contained various amounts of cash, credit cards and personal identification. The offender(s) ignored other commonly targeted items like GPS units and radar detectors. The victims’ vehicles were all vans and sports utility vehicles. None of the victims’ vehicles had trunks.
Other jurisdictions/communities have been experiencing similar incidents at fitness centers/health clubs:
Des Plaines Police Dept: Eight (8) vehicle burglaries – Lattoff YMCA – women’s purses left in plain view.
Lake Zurich Police Department: Six (6) vehicle burglaries – Foglia YMCA – women’s purses left in plain view. Offending vehicle is a dark colored minivan.
Morton Grove Police Dept: One (1) vehicle burglary – Morton Grove Park Dist. Fitness Center – woman’s purse left in plain view. Offender’s vehicle is a dark red or maroon colored minivan with a luggage rack on the roof. Offenders described as thin to medium builds wearing light colored hooded coats.
Northbrook Police Dept: One (1) vehicle burglary – North Suburban YMCA – woman’s purse left in plain view.
Palatine Police Dept: Six (6) vehicle burglaries – Midtown Athletic Club – women’s purses left in plain view.
Winnetka Police Dept: Five (5) vehicle burglaries – at or near Winnetka Tennis Center – women’s purses or bags in plain view on a front vehicle seat or rear seat floor.
View Fitness Center Vehicle Burglaries 2011 in a larger map
The Arlington Heights police put out a community alert on Wednesday, February 16, 2011. This article includes information from the community alert and some additional information.