A Waukegan man has been arrested for breaking into cars and garages in an Antioch neighborhood, according to police.
Jose Tobias, 23, was arrested earlier this month on burglary, identity theft and unlawful use of credit card charges after police identified him using security camera footage.
Antioch police said residents in the Red Wing neighborhood reported someone had entered vehicles and garages on Dec. 8.
Later, credit cards belonging to the theft victims were used at various businesses in Lake County. Police were able to compare security footage from the businesses with video recorded in the Red Wing neighborhood. Authorities said they were able to identify Tobias from the video.
Antioch police said they worked with Waukegan police, who arrested Tobias Tuesday.
“Antioch is a safe community, but we must remain vigilant, as no community is immune to criminal activity such as these incidents,” Antioch Police Chief Geoff Guttschow said. “We continue to urge residents to take precautions such as locking doors, securing valuables and reporting suspicious activity. These simple steps can greatly reduce the risk of becoming a crime victim.”
Police Academy
Gurnee police have started accepting applications from residents interested in participating in the spring Citizens Police Academy.
The program, which offers participants the chance to learn about police procedures and interact with officers, will run from March 13 to May 22.
The weekly sessions will run from 6:30 to 9 p.m.
“Our academy provides an insider’s perspective on the day-to-day operations of law enforcement. From investigations and crime scene analysis to community outreach initiatives, we’ll cover it all,” GPD said.
Participants will learn about crime prevention, safety tips and emergency preparedness through a series of interactive sessions. Experienced officers will offer their insights into the life of a police officer.
Applicants must be 18 or older and of “good moral character” with no felony convictions, GPD said. For additional information and to fill out an application, visit the police department page on the village of Gurnee website.
Gurnee fundraiser
This year’s Gurnee Turkey Trot, a charity fun run and walk held annually on Thanksgiving, netted more than $15,000, which will benefit several local charities and organizations.
More than 400 people took part in this year’s 30th-annual Jon Callaghan Memorial event. Gurnee police said the money would be donated to the Gurnee Community Church, Gurnee School District 56 Special Needs Program, Warren Township Food Pantry, and the University of Chicago Comer Children’s Hospital.
The event is named in honor of Jon Callaghan, a Gurnee student who died of cancer in 1997. Jon’s father, Mike, was scheduled to be on hand at a Friday ceremony to distribute checks to the beneficiaries of the event.
Shop with a Cop
We would be remiss in this holiday season to not acknowledge the many police officers and departments who make life a little brighter for needy families at Christmas. Many Lake County departments organized “Shop with a Cop” programs, where officers helped needy kids pick out gifts. Other police agencies collected toys and other items for donation.
If you are looking for a great charity, check with your local department to see if they participate.
And while many officers helped make the season bright, they will also be handing out metaphorical lumps of coal to drunk and impaired drivers between now and New Year’s Day. So drive sober this season, and please use your safety belts, especially for kids, as many departments have announced they will be beefing up enforcement during the holidays.
