Home Break-in Occurs on 8th Street in Hinsdale

An unknown burglar broke into a home in the 400 block of West 8th Street Thursday and took several pieces of jewelry after ransacking the home's bedrooms, according to the .

The incident occurred between 6 a.m. and 2 p.m., a timeframe during which the house was empty. 

"Forced entry was made into the residence through a front door while the home was unoccupied," a police department release reads. "Bedrooms within the residence were ransacked, and various pieces of collector’s coins and jewelry items were taken from the home. There is no suspect information available at this time."

Deputy Chief Mark Wodka said that in addition to several collector coins, three or four men's wristwatches and one women's wristwatch were taken from the home.

"We don’t have a complete inventory yet, or the estimated value [of the missing items]," Wodka said.

There is no suspect information at this time; no neighbors reported seeing anything suspicious Thursday. Wodka said the department is hoping that a neighbor may have surveillance footage during the time frame that could show the suspect or possibly a vehicle. 

"If you have information that may assist the police department related to these incidents, or video surveillance footage from a private residential video surveillance system that may aid this investigation, please contact the Investigations Division at (630) 789-7070," the department's release reads.

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The following general information was also included in the police department release:

As the investigation in this burglary continues, the police department is requesting the assistance of the community to continue being vigilant in reporting any suspicious circumstances in your neighborhood. In particular, residents are reminded to be aware of any person(s) that may appear at their doorstep (or their neighbor’s) wishing to provide a service that had not been requested, asking for someone that does not live there, or is acting like they must be at the wrong address. Residents should acknowledge the presence of persons at their doorstep, but should not open the door unless the person is expected. 

In addition, use deadbolts on doors and residential security systems should be used, if so equipped, when leaving the residence or retiring for the evening. Residents should also consider the installation and use of video surveillance devices which may not only provide early warning to a homeowner of a person on their property, but likewise be used as an investigative tool in identifying suspects. 

If you observe behavior that is unusual or suspicious, contact the Hinsdale Police Department by calling 9-1-1. It is important to report an accurate description of the person(s) clothing, height, gender, and race. If you observe a vehicle, note the color, make, style, and/or license plate. 

The Hinsdale Police Department urges residents through community notification measures to review the following safety tips to prevent becoming a victim: 

Burglary Crime Prevention Tips At Home 

The Hinsdale Police Department encourages you to follow these crime prevention tips, particularly if you are vacationing away from home: 

• Arm security alarms if they are present within the household. Residents within the community who have security systems sometimes fail to arm them due to the inconvenience or inexperience in their use. Arming the security system increases the likelihood of not only prevention, but also the opportunity of apprehension of the burglar. Even if you’re leaving for a short period of time, arm your system if you have it. 
• Make sure your burglar and fire alarms are in working condition. Test them with the alarm company and make sure your alarm company has an updated call list. 
• Consider the installation of a video surveillance system. Video systems marketed today provide for the ability for users to monitor their homes while away from a smartphone, or even receive text and email alerts where an intruder may be present on the property. Further, video surveillance system increase the opportunity for investigators to develop investigative leads on a suspect. 
• The No. 1 prevention tip is to make your house look “LIVED IN” when you’re away. Never let items pile up in the mailbox or on the porch. It sends the message that no one is home or watching the residence. 
• Arrange with a trusted neighbor to pick up your mail, newspapers, and garbage cans. They live in your neighborhood and know what looks suspicious in the area. 
• Make arrangements with trusted friends, neighbors or family to shovel the driveway and maintain the property. 
• Set automatic timers for interior and exterior lights, radio and TV’s. Turn the ringer down on the phone. A ringing phone alerts others that no one is home. 
• Leave your window shades in a “normal” position, or have your “house-watcher” move the window shade positioning throughout your vacation or your time away from your home. DO NOT CLOSE THE BLINDS. 
• Lock your valuables in a safe deposit box or fire safe. Document all valuables via videotape and place this and important serial numbers in a safe deposit box as well. 
• Notify the police department and request a “VACATION WATCH” if you will be away from your home for an extended period of time. 
• Don’t leave spare keys to the home or vehicle hidden in areas outside or near the home. 
• Lock ALL ladders and other supplies in a shed or garage and make sure your garage (attached or detached) is secured at all times. 
• Lock your CAR DOORS. Garage door openers in unlocked cars are an instant gateway into your residence regardless of the precautions you take to safeguard the home. You should consider even taking your garage door openers OUT of your vehicles. Remove important papers and documents with personal information on them. Have vehicles moved on occasion, so as to not be parked in one spot all the time. 
• Secure your windows by “PINNING” them and place a security bar in the track of your sliding glass doors. 
• Leave emergency contact information with the police or a trusted neighbor. 
• If you see a suspicious person or vehicle PLEASE don’t hesitate to notify the police by calling 911.