SHERIFF REMINDS RESIDENTS TO BE CAUTIOUS WHEN VISITING CEMETERIES
Thursday, May 7, 2009 — As the warmer weather and Mothers’ Day approaches, Cook County Sheriff Thomas J. Dart reminds residents to be alert when visiting the grave site of a loved one.
In the past few weeks, Sheriff’s Police have investigated reports of thefts from vehicles at a local cemetery. These crimes occurred while the victims were away from their vehicles paying their respects.
“At no time has violence or the threat of violence been used in any of the reported incidents,” Dart said. “Anyone visiting a cemetery needs to take a few common sense precautions to avoid being the victim of a theft.”
Dart recommends that cemetery visitors follow these guidelines:
- Lock all car doors and do not leave any valuables in plain view inside your vehicle
- Lock purses, bags and any other valuables in the trunk while visiting a grave site
- Do not make yourself a target by carrying your purse or bag to the grave site
- If possible, avoid visiting the cemetery alone
- Note your surroundings before exiting your vehicle. Report any suspicious vehicles or activity to the cemetery attendant or police
For further information, contact the Cook County Sheriff’s Police Department at (708) 865-4700.