Burglars Target Cars and Garages on 69th Avenue

Someone damaged three cars and broke into two garages overnight Tuesday, all in the same block.

Three residents reported the incidents, telling police they likely occurred between 5 p.m. June 20 and 8:30 a.m. June 21, according to the . All lived in the 17000 block of 69th Avenue.

The residents said that after parking their cars either in the garage or driveway of their homes the night before, they found damage to their vehicles' front driver's side door handles and locks and in some cases, that items were missing.

One resident said his car's passenger-side window had been shattered and about $140 worth of items were stolen from inside, according to the report. The car was parked in his driveway, he said, but a $60 weed trimmer was taken from his garage, which was unlocked.

Garages were unlocked in two of the break-ins, according to the report and one of the burglarized cars was also unlocked. A resident said four red, 25-foot ratchet straps were missing from the unlocked car.

Tinley Park Police Cmndr. Steve Vaccaro said people have to be cautious to prevent such break-ins, no matter where they live. He also said police aren't sure if the incidents on 69th Avenue are related.

"Residents should be prudent and lock their doors to their garages and cars," he said. " ... (They) should lock their garages and cars and put valuables under their car's seats or bigger items in the trunk."

None of the victims' neighbors reported seeing anything suspicious that night. Those targeted signed complaints with the .