Police say a 15-year-old juvenile is in custody and has been charged for burglarizing at least 20 vehicles in Antioch over the past several months.
The Village of Antioch Police Department announced the arrest Wednesday following a recent rash of auto burglaries in the village.
At least one other suspect could also be charged.
The arrest is related to approximately 20 vehicle burglaries, police said.
In all the instances, it is believed that the perpetrator or perpetrators entered the vehicles through unlocked doors.
The thefts related to the juvenile’s arrest started in May and continued until earlier this month.
Investigators were able to use security camera footage and other investigative techniques to connect the juvenile to the crimes.
The juvenile, whose identity is not being released because they are a minor, admitted their participation in the crimes, police said.
The juvenile was taken into custody over the weekend during an unrelated incident in Waukegan.
The juvenile was a passenger in a stolen vehicle that was stopped by police.
Antioch Police Chief Geoff Guttschow said that officers have been working diligently to combat the spike in “crimes of opportunity,” including vehicle and residential burglaries.
“Through active police work, our officers have recently made key arrests related to auto and home burglaries,” Guttschow said.
“These crimes are not tolerated in our community. Because of the increase in these crimes, we have stepped up extra patrols and resources in our neighborhoods, doing old fashion police work. For example, our officers have hit the streets on foot patrols, searching for those who choose to hide in the shadows,” he said.
Guttschow said the investigation related to other suspects remains ongoing.
The police chief said he wants to remind residents to remain vigilant and “if you see something, say something.”
“Unfortunately, this type of crime is happening all over the suburbs,” Guttschow said.
“This isn’t just one group of thieves, but a common crime among those looking to take advantage of others. I would also like to thank the Waukegan Police for their assistance with this investigation,” he added.
Anyone with any additional information related to the crimes, including those with security camera video or anyone who may have been the victim of an unreported crime, should call the Antioch Police Department dispatch center at 847-270-9111 or email crime@antioch.il.gov.