Man faces four charges for alleged theft of alcohol

 A Wheeling man was charged with four counts of retail theft after he allegedly stole four bottles of Buchanan's 18 Scotch from Woodman’s, 1550 E. Deerfield Road, valued at $79.99 each. Reports say a manager was able to recognize the man as a suspect in previous thefts from the store.  The manage was also able to capture the description of his car.

            Police located the car in a shopping plaza at the northeast corner of Deerfield Parkway & Weiland Road. They found the driver at Weiner Take All, but he was not the person who allegedly stole the alcohol.  He told police he had driven a friend to Woodman’s.

            But wait, there’s more. Police checked the car and found the friends, one of whom matched the description of the alleged Scotch-stealing thief. Police also found groceries including, note reports, “…four bottles of Buchanan's whisky and two bags of potato chips.” The reports do not indicate what kind of potato chips they were. Then again, who would want potato chips with $79 Scotch?

** Another Alcohol theft – Two juveniles are suspected in taking two bottles of alcohol from the Jewel at Lake-Cook and McHenry roads. Reports do not indicate what kind of alcohol was allegedly stolen. Store employees were unable get a good description of the two as they were wearing masks. It’s nice to have law-abiding thieves.

** Argument leads to charges -- A Buffalo Grove man was charged with two counts of domestic battery after an argument with his wife and juvenile children.  Reports say the man allegedly swung a vacuum at both his wife and one child during an argument about the garbage not being taken out. Reports indicate that neither his wife or child suffered serious injuries.

** Fraudulent order – A resident in the 100 block of Toulon Drive reported two incidents to police.  The first, according to reports, was the receipt of three Verizon iPhones, which the resident told police she did not order. She told police that she did not order the phones, which were delivered in her name. At the same time, she was contacting police about the iPhones, the woman reported a couple banging on her front door.  She observed the couple as they reportedly walked around the house. The woman was able to get a photo of their car as well as providing police with a description of the couple.

** Not quite Bond – A resident contacted police because, reports say, his neighbor’s landscaper got grass clipping on his car, described as a “prize-winning 2007 Aston-Martin convertible.” Reports say the vehicle “appeared to have dust and small grass clippings on the exterior.” Reports says the responding officer observed “dust and grass clippings on the interior of the vehicle.” Reports say that this was “no doubt due to the fact the convertible top was left down while the neighbor's lawn service was working.” It appeared the resident was shaken, and even stirred. It’s a generational thing – go ask your parents. Thank you, Moneypenny.

** Fraudulent billing – A resident told police he received a notice from a collection agency that he owed $1,720 for purchases made in 2018. The man told police that he never made the purchases and suspects his identity had been compromised.

** Lucky there’s only one charge –A 20-year-old Buffalo Grove man was charged with speeding in excess of 35 miles over the limit after police say he was driving 89 miles per hour in a 45 miles-per-hour zone. Reports say the responding officer followed the car, which ended up in a driveway in the 1100 block of Auburn Lane at which time the driver, note reports, told police he did not have a driver’s license and started walking toward the building despite request by police to stop.  Not a good idea.

            Reports indicate that at that point, the responding officer told him to stop walking away, at which time reports say the officer “grabbed his arm and handcuffed him. He continued to be loud and argumentative and was yelling for his sister to record the interaction.”

            But wait, there’s more. Reports indicate that the offender’s sister was a passenger in the car. She verified the driver’s identity. Making this a family affair, police say the driver’s mother came outside to show police proof of valid insurance for the vehicle. Want to bet it’s going to take more than 15 minutes to get a better rate on renewal?

** Criminal trespass to a vehicle – A resident in the 300 block of Bentley Place told police that a masked man entered his vehicle on Aug. 20 but did not steal anything. The entire episode was caught on surveillance video. In addition to noting that the perpetrator was wearing masked, reports also indicate that the vehicle was – surprise – unlocked.

** Not a ringing endorsement – Two residents contacted police about what they say was fraud committed by a landscaper/pave installer. The residents, both contend the contractor did not follow through on issues related to the work he was supposed to do and that he did not return their phone calls.

** They serve, protect and recognize – A Buffalo Grove man was charged with a Class 4 felony for driving on a revoked/suspended license. It was the fourth time the man had been stopped by police. In fact, it was the fourth time he had been stopped for the offense by the same officer.

** Bogus tech support – A Buffalo Grove resident is out almost $500 after she was having computer issues and contacted an alleged Microsoft service agent online. Police reports say the woman gave the fake technician both her credit and debit card numbers.  Reports says she became suspicious when she noticed that the alleged technician “took over her computer remotely and began accessing its files without permission.” A dead give-away.

** Trailer for sale or let – once it’s found – A Buffalo Grove resident who leases a $43,000 White Wabash Reefer Trailer, told police that she subleased it to a Vernon Hills man in April and while she received payments for the sublease in April and May, she has not received payments since then. She said she was in touch with the man who leased the vehicle by text and he promised to make payments, which he has not. The woman was not able to give police specific information about the man who leased the trailer because she did not know his last name.  Seriously. Police were able to connect with the man’s brother who told police he was unaware payments had not been made. By the way, “reefer” is the type of trailer and has nothing to do with its cargo.

** Guess it wasn’t Comey calling – A resident said she received a call from someone posing as an FBI agent demanding $10,000 in Bitcoins or she would face criminal prosecution. The resident did convert $10,000 to Bitcoins, but did not send them. Smart idea.

** Stupid is as stupid does – Buffalo Grove Police report four arrests for DUI, three for driving on a suspended or revoked license, one for transporting open liquor, one for driving without insurance and one for driving without a license.

 

COMMUNITY NEWS AND UPDATES

 Rec weed up in the air

            A technicality in the state’s licensing of dispensaries for recreational marijuana may delay its availability in Buffalo Grove. According to the Daily Herald, “…The sticking point is state law prevents medical dispensaries from selling recreational marijuana if they move to a new location.”

The Herald also reports that “State Rep. Daniel Didech, who is working to get legislation passed that will clear the hurdle, said the intent of the rule was to encourage new players in the marketplace.”

 New Stevenson board member

            Long Grove resident Fei Shang has been named to the Stevenson High School / District 125 Board of Education. She replaces Sunit Jain who resigned. Shang’s term runs until April.  She told Pioneer Press she plans to fun for a full term.

 Hines deal extended

The village and Hines Lumber have come to agreement on a tax-sharing program that runs for another 20 years. According to Daily Herald, Village Manager Dane Bragg says Hines, which has its corporate headquarters and showroom in Buffalo Grove, is the largest sales tax generator in the village and has been for many years.”

Blood drive this Saturday

A community blood drive will take place this Saturday from 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the Alcott Center.

For more information or to schedule a donation, call 877-258-4825 or visit vitalant.org and use group code BG98.

Appointments and face covers are required.

 Trustee petitions available soon

Three trustee seats on the Buffalo Grove Village Board will be open in the April 6, 2021 election. The circulation of petitions can begin on Sept. 22, and filings can be made starting at 8 a.m. on Dec. 14. Only registered voters who live in Buffalo Grove can run for office or sign a petition for a candidate.

 For questions, call the Village Clerk at (847) 459-2500.  

 Video gaming fee discussion may continue

            The village may still be considering modification of video gaming fees. In an Aug. 20 story, the Daily Herald cited sources that the current arrangement may be under review. The focus of the issue was an apparent request by Original Bagel and Bialy for a pro-rated fee. The eatery was granted a video license earlier this year, but the pandemic forced them, and all restaurants, from having indoor dining.

            Village Manage Dane Bragg told BGNI in an email on Aug. 30 that there was “no word on anything yet.”

            There was some recent discussion based on coverage in the Journal-Topics. Village Board President Beverly Sussman indicated that it appeared trustees had changed their position on a move to pro-rate the fee for Original Bagel and Bialy.

            Sussman told BGNI that she never promised to help Original Bagel and Bialy, but said the Board would discuss it a pro-rating. She said any arrangement would not solely be for Original Bagel and Bialy.

 Secure ballot drop-off sites discussed

Government officials are grappling with ways to offer secure ballot drop off for the Nov. 3 election for voters who may not want to mail their ballots back. According to the Lake County Journal, Vernon Township is discussing options.

 Library program plan ‘Paperback Pals”

The Indian Trails Public Library is planning a live Zoom program, “Paperback Pal Book Club” program on from 4 to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 8.

Residents can call and register to pick up their book at the drive-up window. Read the book and join an online discussion on Sept. 8.

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Cops continue probe into rash of tire slashings

Buffalo Grove Police continue to probe a series of tire slashings that have taken place in the southern portion of the village during recent weeks.  Three more cases were reported, all in a parking lot in the 800 block Weidner Road. In one case, two rear tires, valued at $85 each, were slashed. In a second case, a resident reported two tires, valued at over $200 each were slashed, while a third report indicated that three tires, valued at $500 were slashed.

Reports indicate that the tires were slashed during late afternoon and early evening.

** Nearly $13,000 missing – A resident told police that $12,970 was reported missing from her Chase saving account. The funds were removed by an unknown person who wrote checks using the resident’s account number.

** Banner swiped – A resident reported that a large blue banner that was stapled to their fence was stolen.  Reports did not indicate what the banner said.

** Eggs tossed at house – A resident in the 1300 block of Shambliss told police two people threw eggs at his house, with one hitting an open window which caused minor damage inside the house.

** Driver faces felony charges – A Chicago man was charged with one count of aggravated DUI, Class-2 felony and one count of driving on a revoked license, which is a Class-4 felony following a traffic stop Aug. 8 during which police noted that he was reportedly going 60 mph in a 35-mph zone. In addition to the felony charges, the driver was also charged with speeding, and wrong way driving.

** Fireworks damage two mailboxes – Police report mailboxes in the 900 block of Highland Grove and 1000 block of Alden Lane were damaged by fireworks that were placed inside. Police do not report any suspects.

** Food truck theft – Police report that someone broke into a food truck parked behind a business on Dundee Road and reportedly stole $50 in cash and a case of soda.

** ID thefts reported -- Four residents reported to police that their identification had been compromised. In one case, a resident told police she received an unsolicited debit card from “GoBank” with her name in it. Meanwhile, another resident reported receiving a credit card, also from “GoBank.” Two residents said they were contacted by someone claiming to be an investigator with the Social Security Administration. The caller told the residents that their Social Security number was connected to drug trafficking in Texas and that their number and accounts would be suspended if they didn’t cooperate.

** Classless motorist -- A construction worker at Weiland Road and Newtown Drive told police a motorist was upset apparently because of waiting a blistering five minutes for construction crews.  The worker said the motorist told her "You wouldn't be so cute if I hit you." Reports say the driver then drove away on westbound Newtown Drive.

** Masks or no masks? Police received two calls about patrons not wearing masks while attending vents at a restaurant in Town Center. In one case, police noted that most people were wearing masks, with the exception being members of a bridal part who were having their picture taken.  In the second report, police say a number of people were not wearing masks.  Reports say the manager did not think masks were needed until the event started and had staff put masks and gloves on.  He also told police that he thinks the manager of a neighboring business is making frivolous calls about his business, a matter he said is being addressed by Town Center management.

** Bike stolen – A bike valued at $800 was reportedly stolen from a residence in the 900 block of Alden Lane. Reports say the bike was in the resident’s garage when it was stolen.

** How much wood can a Facebook user cut? – A resident contacted police about a man she hired to cut wood in her yard after seeing his ad on Facebook.  Reports say the man responded to the woman’s ad offering $30 an hour to cut the wood. The woman, police say, paid the man up front prior to leaving her home with the understanding that he would finish the job after getting gas. When she returned, the man was gone, but the wood was still there.  She tried to contact him on Facebook, but, to no surprise, he did not respond.  The woman told police he removed himself from the chat and apparently changed his name. But wait, there’s more. The man told the woman that he changed his name because other people were threatening him. The woman said other people had noted or experienced the same thing.

** Speaking of wood – There’s nothing like a storm to bring out the best of neighbors. Police were summoned to a residence in the 2100 block of Avalon Court in response to a complaint by a resident that his neighbor was throwing limbs into his yard. Reports say the resident had video of his neighbor tossing tree limbs into his yard, which was not only annoying, but was damaging, reports say, the neighbor’s fence. Both neighbors were waiting for information from their insurance companies.

            ** Yes, it’s disorderly – Police were summoned to the Spoerlein Commons shopping plaza in response to a complaint of disorderly behavior -- a woman urinating on the sidewalk.  The complainant told police the woman has, note reports, committed the act “numerous times before.” The complainant told police she tried to talk to the woman, but has had little success because of a “language barrier.”

            ** Stupid is as stupid does -- Police reported four tickets for DUI, five for no valid driver’s license, three for operating a vehicle without insurance, and seven tickets to individuals driving on a suspended or revoked driver’s license.

Labor Day traffic enforcement set

Buffalo Grove police are participating in a statewide “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” enforcement campaign through Sept. 8.

During this period, motorists in Buffalo Grove can expect to see stepped-up impaired driving patrols and seat belt enforcement, particularly at night when seat belt usage rates are at their lowest

“While celebrations marking the last days of summer may look different this year than in times past, the potential remains for an increase in the number of impaired drivers on the roads,” Sergeant Michelle Kondrat says. “Impaired driving kills more than 10,000 people in the United States each year.”

The Labor Day holiday period, “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign is made possible by federal highway safety funds administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation.

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COVID exposure shutters Village Hall

Updated at  12:40 p.m.

 

The Buffalo Grove Village Hall will be closed until further notice following a reported COVID-19 exposure in the building.

The closure begins today, Aug. 14 while the facility is commercially cleaned and disinfected.

A statement by the village, said village officials do not believe any member of the public has been exposed. All village employees who may have been exposed within the building will be evaluated for testing and quarantine.

The statement said that ‘” because the incubation period for COVID-19 onset ranges from two to 14 days”

Village Manager Dane Bragg, says the village is “unsure” as to how long Village Hall will remain closed. “We will resume limited operations as soon as possible, with the goal being to do that early next week,” Bragg says.

He adds that the village has “not implemented any additional procedures.  We currently use CDC and OSHA guidelines as well as guidance from our liability insurance carrier and healthcare professionals.  We will likely spread out employees (even more than we already have) to minimize risk.  The safety protocols we have in place exceed CDC guidelines.”

With the closure, a variety of village services are being reduced, postponed or offered virtually.

According to the statement, any previously scheduled property/building inspections will be postponed until further notice.

Village services will be offered remotely including real estate transfer stamps, which can be obtained by calling 847-459-2500 or emailing bgfinance@vbg.org, as well as license renewals (except for liquor licenses) that can be completed by visiting vbg.org and clicking ‘How Do I’.

Payments for water/sewer bills can be made online by using this link,, mailed in, or deposited in the drop box located behind Village Hall at 50 Raupp Boulevard

All public safety operations will continue to be offered by the Fire Department, Public Works Department and the Police Department. The filing of non-emergency police reports for incidents that occur within Village limits and have no known suspects can be completed online here.

Plans have not been finalized how Monday’s Village Board meeting will be handled. The village will announce any changes to the Village Board meeting scheduled for Monday night that may be necessitated by the closure of Village Hall. Recent Board meetings had been held at Village Hall and accessible by Zoom.

The posted agenda released on Thursday indicates that “…this meeting will be held in person with capacity limited physical attendance. Those not willing or able to physically attend can still fully participate electronically…” The agenda can be found at at this link.

Residents who have any questions can call 847-459-2500 or email info@vbg.org. Village staff members will be frequently checking voice mail and will return phone messages or emails as soon as possible.