Crime & Safety

Polite Suspect Leaves Written Apology for Busted Door: Tinley Park Police Blotter

Tinley Park police items, Jan. 14-16.

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 16

Deadbolt Busted at Wrong House

Police were called to a home in the 16000 block of S. Centennial Circle, after a resident reported someone used a tool to drill out a deadbolt on his home. 

The victim found the deadbolt inside the home near the front door, with a note that read, 'Key under mat, sorry wrong house.'

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Under the home's welcome mat was a king ring with two keys, with the house number engraved.

Neighbors told police they did not notice anything suspicious that day. The victim told police he rents the home and officers contacted the owner, who told officers that they would like to pursue the matter criminally. However, the owner said if the damage was done by mistake, they would like to be reimbursed only enough to cover the cost. 

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They're Using My Debit Card

Someone used a woman's debit card to make more than $900 at Speedway without her consent.

The victim said that she had her card at the time of the purchases and that she found out about the issue while trying to pay for parking in Chicago.

Officers told the victim they would investigate the matter.

TUESDAY, JAN. 15

I Didn't Make Those Purchases

A second woman told police that someone used her debit card for $1,000 in purchases at Speedway. The person also attempted to use the card in Hinsdale and Palos Park, but was declined.

The victim said she went to the bank about the incident and the bank took the card. Police advised the victim to contact her credit card companies about the issue.

Workout Warrior's Wallet Stolen

Police were called to L.A. Fitness, 18400 Convention Center Drive, after a victim reported his locker was burglarized while he was working out.

The man told police he had secured the locker, which contained his wallet and iPhone, before his workout—but returned to a cut lock and his items missing. 

Police questioned staff, who said they noted nothing out of the ordinary and then advised the victim to cancel all of his credit and debit cards. No evidence was found at the scene.

MONDAY, JAN. 14

He Broke In, But Left Lots of Cash

Police were called to Midas, 7011 159th Street, after the burglary alarm was triggered at 9:41 p.m. At the business police found the front window broken out and approximately $1,400 strewn about the lobby of the business.

When the owner of the business arrived, he showed officers surveillance of the crime. Officers watched the film, which showed a male suspect break the front window of the business with a small sledgehammer before entering the business.

The suspect then emptied the cash drawer, dropping an insert containing the $1,400 on the floor, before removing $138 from the drawer.

The suspect then entered a light-colored panel van and left the area. The owner was unable to identify the suspect on the video.

MONDAY, JAN. 14

Laptop Goes Missing at Friday's

Police were called to T.G.I. Friday's, 7200 191st Street, after a victim reported her laptop was stolen from the restaurant.

The woman said her laptop was with her at her table and that she then left the restaurant. She said she realized the laptop was missing when she arrived home, 15 minutes after leaving.

She returned to the restaurant and spoke with a manager, who said no laptop was found or turned in. Police searched the restaurant, including employee areas, and did not locate the missing laptop.

The victim informed police the following day that the laptop was used near Burbank. Officers advised the victim to lock the laptop remotely if possible.  

Police report information is provided by the Tinley Park Police Department and other law enforcement agencies. Charges are not evidence of guilt. They are a record of police actions on a given day, and persons charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court. If you or a family member are charged or cited and the case is subsequently adjudicated, we encourage you to notify the editor. We will verify and report the outcome.


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