Lemont Police Investigate String of Vandalism

Police are investigating a string of vandalism incidents reported in the Lemont area this week.

Lemont Police Chief Kevin Shaughnessy said there have been eight reports of vandalism as of Thursday. The incidents involve grafitti—mostly on garages—in the areas of Singer and Warner avenues and Ledochowski and McCarthy streets.

Although there were gang signs painted on the garages, the vandalism does not appear to be gang activity, Shaughnessy said.

"We're doing our best to prevent this from happening again," he said. "Officers are currently conducting interviews to see if we can track down the culprit. There are certain elements (of the graffiti) that we think might give the offender away."

Shaughnessy said two car burglaries were also reported this week—one on Timberline Drive and one on Division Street, but are not related to the vandalism.

A Garmin GPS unit was among the items stolen, he said.

Police Sgt. Therese Thompson sent an email blast to Lemont's Neighborhood Watch groups Thursday to alert them of the incidents and offer safety tips for residents.

"Please remember: never leave valuables in a vehicle parked overnight outdoors, and always remember to secure your vehicle and set the alarm if you have one," Thompson said in the email.

"... If you see something suspicious, call 911 immediately. If you think it over and make the call 10 minutes after the fact, a possible offender may be long gone," she said.

Anyone with information should contact the at 630-257-2229.

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