Lake County Gazette

The Highland Police Department is actively investigating a series of early morning burglaries that occurred on March 7, affecting six businesses in downtown and three in the Crossroads Business District along Skokie Road.

According to a Highland Park news release, the preliminary investigation indicated that the city received the first alarm notification at 3:24 a.m., with police responding immediately. However, it was determined that the first burglary took place at 3:03 a.m. No injuries were reported during these incidents. The police confirmed that a stolen vehicle was involved in these burglaries and later connected it to another commercial burglary in Deerfield at 3:38 a.m. on the same day. Highland Park Police are working together with Deerfield Police on this investigation.

The affected businesses include Dairy Queen, Jimmy Johns, Michael's, Potbelly, Chic Cadre Nail Salon, Highland Tobacco and Vape, BP Gas, Hearing Health Center, and a vacant commercial space at various addresses within the impacted areas.

The news release also said that commercial burglaries generally target cash rather than valuables or equipment. Follow-up communications have been conducted with business owners by the Office of Business Development to provide information about best practices for crime deterrence and prevention. The city's Police Beat Coordinator program enables Highland Park Police officers to collaborate with business owners, managers, and employees to offer general safety recommendations tailored to each location. This program can extend similar recommendations for residences as well.