Nearly 30 vehicles have been burglarized in far north suburban Gurnee this month and police believe the thieves may be targeting holiday shoppers.

Police said 26 car burglaries have been reported around the village since Dec. 1, 18 of which took place in parking lots near the Grand Hunt shopping area, including the popular Gurnee Mills Mall.

“A vast majority of them have been items of value left out in the open,” said Deputy Chief Willie Meyer. “People leaving purses, back packs, Christmas gifts, shopping bags in plain view in the car.”

Gurnee Police Department

Authorities say the suspects, believed to be young men, work in pairs and either break windows or bust door locks to get inside a vehicle. The suspects’ cars include a mid-2000 four-door silver Chrysler and a four-door black Lexus, both of which have been captured by security cameras following at least two of the burglaries.

Police have warned area shoppers and to be on alert, especially with holiday shopping in full force.

“Take your things with you, lock your car, hide belongings, don’t leave anything out in the open,” Meyer said. “Don’t make yourself a victim.”

Anyone with information on the thefts is asked to call (847) 599-7000.

