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Park Forest, as with all South Suburban communities, has a number of vacant properties.  In recent weeks, there have been an increasing number of reported burglaries to these vacant properties.  Items taken during these incidents include copper piping, wiring, appliances, window and central air conditioning units, and even aluminum siding.

The Park Forest Police Department is asking for residents’ help to stop and solve these crimes.  All residents are asked to be aware of vacant houses in their neighborhoods and keep extra watch over them.  Call police if anyone is seen at or inside these houses.  The offenders in these incidents often utilize cargo-type vans and/or pickup trucks that would make it appear that they are contractors who belong at the property.  Even if it appears that the people at the vacant house might be there to remodel, rehab, or check on the property, please CALL POLICE.  The police department will determine if the individuals have a right to be there.

By working together, the residents of Park Forest and the Park Forest Police can continue to maintain the quality of life in our Village.  As always, if you see any activity that you find unusual or suspicious, you are urged to contact police via 911.

The Park Forest Police Department is investigating the cause of an early morning blaze that destroyed an observation deck in Park Forest’s Central Park.

Fire crews were dispatched to scene on North Orchard Drive at 5:06 this morning.  On arrival, the fifteen-foot-tall wooden observation deck, situated in the center of the 45-acre wetland, was fully engulfed in flames.

Crews were on the scene for over an hour, where they used fire extinguishers to put out the blaze due to the limited access at the site.

Village officials estimate the cost to replace the structure at $10,000.

Park Forest Mayor John A. Ostenburg expressed his disappointment while calling for the person or persons responsible for the fire to face punishment.

“It is extremely disappointing that something like this would happen to a major amenity in our community that so many enjoy, and now we have to face the unfortunate situation to either leave it unrepaired or spend a considerable amount of tax dollars to replace it.”

“We have to establish if somebody did this consciously or accidentally, but in either case, they need to be held responsible.”

Fire officials say that while the cause of the fire is under investigation, it is being called a fire of “suspicious nature.”  An empty cigar wrapper was found at the scene – leaving open the possibility of the fire being accidentally set. 

The observation deck was installed in 2004 with a large portion of the funding donated by the Park Forest Rotary Club.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Park Forest Police Department at 708-748-8390.

About These Crimes:

Residential Burglaries (Offenders entering homes while residents are away and stealing property) are occurring at an increased rate, particularly in the Lincolnwood/East Lincolnwood Area. Most of these incidents are taking place during the daytime and early evening hours. Offenders look for homes where nobody appears to be home: they may knock on the door to confirm this. The offenders then force entry into the home, usually through a back door or window on the back of the house. They remove property, including televisions, electronics, jewelry, video games, and money.

Incidents:

• 200 Block of Early- Oct. 10, 2011
• 300 Block of Herndon- Oct. 8, 2011
• 300 Block of Springfield- Oct. 2, 2011
• 200 Block of Berry- Sept. 19, 2011
• 200 Block of Hickory- Sept. 6, 2011
• 300 Block of New Salem- August 28, 2011
• 400 Block of New Salem- Aug. 15, 2011
• 100 Block of Larue- July 15, 2011
• 300 Block of Early-July 4, 2011

Offenders’ Descriptions:

Several Offenders have been arrested, but others remain. They are generally:

• Teenage males and females
• In the area during daytime hours when teens should be in school
• Driving in a vehicle, dropped off, and then vehicle leaves
• Re-entering the vehicle a block or so away after committing the crime

What You Can Do:

• Report any suspicious people, particularly if they are seen knocking on your door or your neighbors’ doors.
• Pay special attention to anyone loitering in the area or unusual vehicles in the area.
• Be aware of the incidents and alert your neighbors to be watchful.
• Make your home appear occupied: lights on in the evening, cars in the driveway.
• Lock your doors and windows, including garage doors and windows: several incidents involved residents leaving their doors unlocked.
• Utilize your home alarm system if equipped.

If you have information regarding these incidents, or information about any criminal activity, call the Park Forest Police Department at (708) 748-4701.