Sep 29, 2020

Stolen cars, felony retail theft highlight police activity

 Round Lake Police recovered a car that was stolen from a Buffalo Grove residence in the 0-100 block of University Drive early Sept. 21, that involved a pursuit by Buffalo Grove police and an investigation into an alleged theft from a gas station at Dundee and Buffalo Grove roads. The vehicle stolen was one of three stolen vehicles involved, with the other two reportedly stolen from Lincolnshire.

Police were investigating the theft when another officer spotted three vehicles traveling northbound on Arlington Heights at Lake Cook roads at what reports say was “a high rate of speed.” Reports say the three vehicles hit speeds between 60 and 65 miles per hour as they headed north on Arlington Heights Road. Reports say “All three vehicles ran the red light at McHenry Road, nearly hitting another vehicle traveling southwest on McHenry Road.” The reporting officer said turned off his lights and sirens and it was the three vehicles had no intention of stopping.

Reports indicate the vehicles continued north on Arlington Heights Road, which becomes a dead-end north of Thompson Boulevard. The officer said in reports that he waited for the vehicles to return with hopes of getting a license plate number. Reports note that the three vehicles started heading southbound at a high rate of speed. The officer was able to determine that the lead vehicle, a black 2018 black Mazda CX5 was the vehicle reported as stolen. Reports say it was followed by a white Jeep and a black Nissan. The officer ended his pursuit at this point.

A short time later, Buffalo Grove Police responded to a report of a suspicious incident at the Bucky’s at 10 E. Dundee. Reports say the manager on duty he observed the occupants of three vehicles attempt to use a credit card. Reports say the credit card processing system was not operating at the time. Although the occupants paid for some items, the manager noted some items that were apparently stolen near one of the gas pumps.

Buffalo Grove police found the items, which included a wallet and drivers license of a Lincolnshire woman whose car was stolen and one of the three cars involved in the chase. Lincolnshire police confirmed they were investigating car thefts earlier that evening in which offenders fled in stolen vehicles. Two of the vehicles, a white Jeep and a black Nissan matched the other two vehicles that were pursued in Buffalo Grove.

In addition to contact with the Lincolnshire Police, reports note that a Lake County Sheriff’s deputy informed Buffalo Grove police of the stolen vehicles that fled Lincolnshire on Rt. 22 after committing burglaries.

The vehicle belonging to the Buffalo Grove resident was recovered in Round Lake Beach. Buffalo Grove police reports indicate that one person was listed as an “arrestee” while other were listed as suspects.

Talk about timing -- A Buffalo Grove Police officer happened to be a Woodman’s, 1550 E. Deerfield Pkwy, to pick up a surveillance tape when he was notified by an employee that two men had just left the store with what reports say was “baskets full of merchandise” without paying for it. The office inquired about the nature of payment and asked for the receipt.  One of the men said it was at the register. Nice try. During further discussions one of the men admitted the items were stolen.  According to reports, the initial officer suspected something was array as the two men were using reusable bags, not currently used by Woodman’s. The value of the stolen items was $619.

The driver of the car told police she was at Woodman’s working for Door Dash when two unknown men approached her about getting a ride. However, one of the men said he knew the driver as she was the wife of one of his friends.

The driver told police that she Walker stated she picked up the other three people on the west side of Chicago and their first stop was a Walgreens Pharmacy near Waukegan Road, in what she said was an “unknown town”. The driver told police the two men left the vehicle and returned several minutes later with a large number of items, some of which they placed into an empty milk crate in her car. She told police she drove them to Woodman's where the two men and the other woman entered the store. According to police, the driver said she entered the store separately to use the restroom then returned to her vehicle. The driver told police she “had suspicions” the two were committing thefts when they returned to the card with carts full of merchandise and loaded it into her vehicle.

The two men and driver, along with another woman found hiding behind a car, were arrested and taken to the Buffalo Grove Police Department where the men, Darryl Oliver and, Alvin Shaun Phelon, both of Chicago, were charged, Oliver with one felony count of retail theft, Phelon with two felony counts.

A little dab did him in -- An Arlington Heights man was charged with retail theft after allegedly stealing some American Crew Hair Cream from the Walgreens in the 1200 block of west Dundee Road.

Theft of motor vehicle parts -- Police report that the catalytic converter, valued at $1,000 was removed from a company vehicle while parked in the Cambridge Commons parking lot, 45 east Dundee.

Not prime -- A Buffalo Grove resident told police while using her bank app to make a purchase from Amazon, she was directed to what she thought an online site regarding her Amazon account.  She was told there were fraudulent purchases made and for reasons not explained, the ”customer service representative” told her to go to Target and purchase $1,400 in gift cards. The woman gave the alleged customer service rep. the card number and access code for one of the cards. After noticing additional fraudulent activity, the woman and her husband changed their bank passwords and received new debit cards.

Theft from a motor vehicle – An officer who was returning items to a resident noticed a garage door opener on the sidewalk near the residence.  The office pressed the opener and noticed a garage door across the street activated. He noticed that the glove box was open and items were tossed around the car.  The officer contacted the resident who said noting appeared to be missing and there was no damage to the car. And if you must know, the resident told the officer that she must have not locked her vehicle. Surprised?

Watches missing after move – A man reported to police that his collection of eight to 10 Invicta watches valued at approximately $2,000 were missing after a move within the village. The told police he suspects a member of the moving crew could be responsible as the watches were stored in some of the furniture being moved.

Clean and healthy theft – An employee at Woodman’s told police he someone on the security camera taking brown rice, isopropyl alcohol, and vodka from the store without paying. The customer was not apprehended, but probably had an interesting dinner.

Unpatriotic theft – A resident in the 1500 block of Anderson Lane reported that someone stole his American Flag valued at $25.

Tasteless theft – An employee at the Bucky’s at Dundee and Buffalo Grove roads reported a male customer apparently took five 24-ounce of Steel Reserve beer from the drink cooler and placed them in his backpack. If you must know, Steel Reserve is a flavored beer that has an alcohol by volume rating of 8 percent.

Theft via phone -- A Buffalo Grove resident told police utilized Google to search for PayPal's contact information and chose what he believed was a legitimate website.  It wasn’t. The man reported that $7,500 was taken from his bank account.

 

Community News

 Vernon Township lists ballot, election info.

Vernon Township residents who have received a ballot by mail and do not want to return it through the U.S. Postal Service, can take advantage of the many postage-free drop boxes around the County.

On Election Day, Nov. 3, all drop boxes will be locked at 7 p.m.

 Early voting begins at William E. Peterson Park located at 16652 N. Buffalo Grove Rd. on

Oct. 18.

To see a complete list of ballot drop off locations with dates, hours, and addresses click here. To apply for an absentee ballot, please click here. Residents who need to register to vote, should click here.

 

Police Department lists honorees

Unable to present awards and honors in person at Village Board meetings due to restrictions in place due to COVID-19, the Buffalo Grove Police

Honorees include:

Officer of the Year: Sergeant Tony Montiel, Employee of the Second Quarter: Sergeant Robert Broussard, Special Commendation Award: Investigator Brian Hansen, Community Policing Award:  Officers Ashley Krozel, and Mike Martin.

Receiving Outstanding Achievement Awards were Officers Marc Rossi, Ashley Krozel, Matt Mills, Derek Hawkins, Jon Officer and Tony Moran.

Other award winners include: Life Saving Award, Officers Derek Hawkins, Kurt Lowenberg, Marc Rossi and Ryan Kass. Honorable Mentions honorees include Officers Ross Valstyn and Brian Tijerina.

Officer Mike Carlson was recognized for earning International Crash Reconstruction Certification.

 

ID theft topic of webinar

Officer Matthew Mills of the Buffalo Grove Police Department will present a webinar identity theft from 10 to 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2020

It will examine the different types of identity theft, what you can do to prevent it and steps to take if you've been victimized.

Click here to join the Go to Meeting. The access code is 939-613-525. Click here to download the app if this is the first time you are using Go to Meeting.

 

Registration open for Library programs

            The Indiana Trails Public Library District is offering the following programs for young readers:

Space Race Virtual Escape Room

Wednesday, Oct. 7, 4-5 pm

Live Zoom Program

Participants in grades 3-5 can join other children in a virtual team environment on their computer. Access our online escape room and test your skills at the Space Race.

Click here to register

Paperback Pals Book Club

Tuesday, Oct. 13, 4-5 pm

Live Zoom Program

Readers in grades 2 and 3 can be part of a virtual book discussion of “Desmond Cole, Ghost Patrol: The Haunted House Next Door” by Andres Miedoso.

Participants should read the book and join the program for an online discussion on Oct. 13.

Click here to register.

Got News?

If you have news about your club, school, church, synagogue or other community organization, please submit news, information and story ideas to BuffaloGroveNews@Gmail.com.

Articles should include a contact name, email and phone number. Commentary articles are also welcome.  They should be limited to 350 words and should include contact information as noted above. All submissions may be edited for style, spelling, and libelous content.

Questions about B.G. News & Info. should be sent to BuffaloGroveNews@Gmail.com.

 

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Sep 24, 2020

Village lists trick-or-treating guidelines

 Young ghosts and goblins will be able to collect candy and other treats on Halloween, but are urged to follow guidelines established by the village. Although not officially ‘endorsed’ by the village, trick-or-treat hours will be from 3 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 31.  A complete list of the guidelines is available as part of the Sept. 22 information packet found here. A copy is also available by emailing BuffaloGroveNews@gmail.com.

Nominating petitions for April 6 election available

Residents who want to be a candidate in the April 6, 2021 Consolidated Election can now circulate petitions. Nomination papers must be filed December 14-21, 2020.

Petitions for Village Board positions, of which three trustee spots will be voted on in April, are available at Village Hall, 50 Raupp Blvd.

Questions about the Village Board election should be directed to the Village Clerk’s office at (847) 459-2500, or by email at clerk@vbg.org.

Residents who may want to run for a position on the Park Board, can pick up petitions at the Alcott Center, located at 530 Bernard Drive in Buffalo Grove.  The Alcott Center is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm.

There are two Buffalo Grove Park District Commissioner positions for 4-year terms, and one unexpired 2-year term which will be part of the April 6, 2021 consolidated election.

Individuals interested in running for a Buffalo Grove Park District Commissioner seat must be a registered voter, and have been a resident of the Buffalo Grove Park District for at least one year prior to the election.

For additional information, contact Ryan Risinger, executive director of the Buffalo Grove Park District at (847) 850.2122.

‘Mobile DMV’ event Friday

Residents who need driver’s related services of the Illinois Secretary of State’s office will be able to complete many of them from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 25 at William E. Peterson Park, 16652 N. Buffalo Grove Road in Buffalo Grove.

The event, jointly sponsored by Secretary of State Jesse White and State Rep. Daniel Didech (D-59). Available services include renewal or correction of a driver’s license of state ID for residents under 75 years of age, purchase of license plate stickers, motor voter registration with renewal of license or state ID, and organ donor registration with renewal of license of state ID. A rules of the road class will be held from 10 to 11:30 a.m.

Real ID application will not be processed at the event. In accordance with state and village requirements, face coverings and social distancing will be required.

‘Hate has no home’ event Saturday

A rally to promote “love and equality” is scheduled from noon to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26 at the Buffalo restaurant parking lot at 1180 Lake-Cook Road.  Organized by BG Pride, participants are asked to bring signs of “peace and love.” Persons interested in speaking should contact Carolyn Pinta at Carolynpinta@gmail.com.

 

Got News?

If you have news about your club, school, church, synagogue or other community organization, please submit news, information and story ideas to BuffaloGroveNews@Gmail.com.

Articles should include a contact name, email and phone number. Commentary articles are also welcome.  They should be limited to 350 words and should include contact information as noted above. All submissions may be edited for style, spelling, and libelous content.

Questions about B.G. News & Info. should be sent to BuffaloGroveNews@Gmail.com.

Subscribe by email

If you want to receive Buffalo Grove News & Information by email, send your email address to BuffaloGroveNews@Gmail.com.

 

Sep 21, 2020

Cops probe escalation in vehicle break-ins

Buffalo Grove Police are investigating 13 reports of break-ins to vehicles Sept. 12 and 13. According to reports, “…Seven of the cars had something taken while six were just rummaged through.”  Police say the 13 incidents involved vehicles that were parked unlocked in residential driveways. The incidents took place on Checker Drive, Crown Point Drive, Chateau Drive, Woodhollow Lane, Harris Drive and Vintage Lane.

            In a separate incident, police report that two vehicles in the 200 block of Farrington Drive were broken into.  Residents say it appeared that two juveniles rummaged through both vehicles that were parked in the driveway. They told police it appeared there was a pick-up truck waiting from the two juveniles. While the residents could not provide a detailed description of the pick-up truck, reports say it appeared to have “clearance” lights on top.

            In light of the rash of vehicle break-ins, police are urging residents to keep their vehicles locked when parked outside and remove all valuables. In addition to items like laptops, dash cams, radar detectors, and purses, residents are reminded that an unlocked vehicle that has a garage door open or vehicle key fob inside can result in vehicle theft or home burglary.

Fraud – A resident told police he was contacted about a job at a Maryland firm, but when he contacted the Human Resources Department, he was told they did not have his resume and he was not being considered for it.  He was sent a $4,900 for computer software, but he did not cash the check.

Computer Fraud – A resident told police he received a phone call from someone claiming to be from Microsoft telling the resident that his computer had been hacked. The resident apparently logged on to his computer because, reports say, during a phone conversation his computer went black. The man then noticed unusual activity on his bank account. The next day the man was unable to access his account. He contacted Microsoft and was told that no one initiated contact with him about hacking. The resident is working with his bank.

Vandalism – A resident in the 100 block of Wildflower Circle told police she spotted graffiti on a bridge across a pond.  Reports say the graffiti touted Donald Trump and made offensive comments about “BL”.

Suspicious incident - -A resident in the 300 block of Horatio told police a man came to their front door saying he was doing work a nearby house and needed to check something in the backyard. The man entered the house and was led to the backyard.  The resident became suspicious when, after checking with the neighbor, found the man was not doing any work. Police say the residents described the man as a male Hispanic, between 30 and 35 years of age 5 feet, inches tall and weighing about 200 pounds. He reportedly was driving a large black SUV.

Fraud via Apple Pay – A resident told police there were two transactions on his bank account for $999 that he did not make.  The man told police he called a number he thought was associated with Apple Pay. He was instructed to download an app to his phone after which he noticed the fraudulent activity. Reports do not indicate what prompted the resident to make the initial phone call.

Speaking of Apple – A resident reported to police that she received a notice about an order for nine Apple phones that she did not place. She received six of the phones and told her wireless carrier that she did not place the order. She returned the phones and was told she would be credited for all nine.

IDES scam continues – A resident told police she received notification of benefits and debit card from the Illinois Department of Employment Security even though she is still employed. The notification said the resident’s last day of work was March 8th – which was news to her.

Labor Day traffic enforcement –The Police Department’s participation the Illinois Department of Transportation’s “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign from Aug. 20 through Sept. 8 yielded 34 seat belt violations, eight speeding tickets five tickets for driving an uninsured vehicle and two for unlicensed driving. These figures reflect tickets issues by officers participating in the funded overtime program and are not a comprehensive total for traffic enforcement by the department during the program period.

Stupid is as stupid does – In the past week, Buffalo Grove Police officers issued one ticket for uninsured vehicles and two for driving a suspended or revoked license.

 Community News

Village Board meets Monday, Sept. 21

            The Village Board will have a regular Board meeting starting at 7:30 Monday, Sept. 21. Information about attending the meeting via Zoom or in person, as well as the agenda, can be found at this link. The in-person meeting will be at Village Hall, 50 Raupp Blvd.

 Lee in Lake County Board Race

         Soojae Lee, who lost a narrow bid for a spot on the Buffalo Grove Village Board, is setting his sights on a bigger stage. Lee is running for District 20 representative for the Lake County Board in the Nov. 3 election. The available spot is the remaining two years of the term originally served by Adam Didech who stepped down due to health reasons in January. Buffalo Grove resident Marah Altenberg
was named to the post in March and is also running for the spot.

 Village newsletter available online

            The September / October edition of the Village News, the newsletter produced by village staff is available online at this link.

 Signs of the times

With the Nov. 3 general election less than eight weeks away residents are reminded that political signs must be placed on private property and not on a public right of way. Political signs found within the public right of way will be removed and discarded. More information about the Village’s political sign requirements can be found here. For questions, contact the Community Development Department at 847-459-2530.

Indian Trails Library offering a variety of programs

            The Indiana Trails Public Library District (ITPLD) has the following programs on tap for this week:

            What You Need to Know About Vaping  -- Tuesday, Sept. 22, 7 to 8:30 p.m. -- Link Together Coalition/OMNI Youth Service staff will talk about the latest research around vaping, prevention guidelines and conversation tips for discussing this topic with others. Register at this link.

            Great Mexican Art Pieces -- Wednesday, Sept. 23, 7 to 8 p.m. --  Live Zoom Program -- Carlos Tortolero, President of the National Museum of Mexican Art, presents Mexican art pieces from ancient times to the present. Q & A and book raffle will follow. Register at this link.

            Health and Wealth --  Thursday, Sept. 24, 7-8:30 p.m.  -- Live Zoom Program -- Lynette Astete will offer tips on how to manage both health and wealth during these difficult times. Register at this link.

 

Got News?

 If you have news about your club, school, church, synagogue or other community organization, please submit news, information and story ideas to BuffaloGroveNews@Gmail.com.

Articles should include a contact name, email and phone number. Commentary articles are also welcome.  They should be limited to 350 words and should include contact information as noted above. All submissions may be edited for style, spelling, and libelous content.

Questions about B.G. News & Info. should be sent to BuffaloGroveNews@Gmail.com.

Subscribe by email

If you want to receive Buffalo Grove News & Information by email, send your email address to BuffaloGroveNews@Gmail.com.

 

Domestic battery charges / Restaurants closing / Cultural Fair flap at ASHS

  From the cop shop ** Domestic battery – A 35-year-old Buffalo Grove man is facing domestic battery charges following an incident in the...