By Jim Hagerty
Reporter

ROCKFORD – The Rockford Police Department is reminding citizens of ways to prevent burglars from breaking into their homes and cars after two recent crimes appear to be related.  

Those efforts include adding more lighting around the house, securing ground-floor windows and ensuring all doors and windows are locked. Police say it is also a good idea to secure sliding doors with a stick, pipe or another strong object so they can’t be opened. 

Cars, police say, are also common targets for burglars. and should be parked under a light and locked if a garage is not an option. Valuables, even change in the cup holder, should be removed from plain view. 

Police made the announcement Tuesday, after investigators reported that two burglaries on the city’s northwest side were likely committed by the same person. The first occurred June 23 in the 1700 block of Melrose Street. Investigators responded to the scene at around 10 a.m., however, officials said the burglary occurred several hours earlier.

“The incident actually occurred shortly after midnight as two adults and two children were
sleeping. A suspect apparently entered the residence through a window and left with
money and credit cards,” Rockford Police Public Information Officer Christie Castillo said in a release.

No one was hurt.

At approximately 3:15 a.m., Monday, Aug. 5, two men were asleep in a residence in the same block when suspect entered through a window and stole money and a credit card. No injuries were reported. 

Police say the suspect in both incidents was wearing a light-colored hoodie, dark pants, dark shoes and dark gloves.

The burglaries are being investigated by the Rockford Police Department’s Financial and Property Crimes Unit. Anyone with information should contact detectives at 815-966-2900 or leave an anonymous tip with Rockford Area Crime Stoppers at 815-963-7867.