SECC reports burglary pattern

The South East Chicago Commission reports a burglary pattern in the Hyde Park-South Kenwood area in which the offender, in most cases, has entered houses and apartments at night or in the early morning hours.

In seven of the nine cases, the residents were sleeping when the offender forced entry by cutting screens on windows or doors. The most recent incidents occurred between the 5600 block of Woodlawn and the 5400 block of Dorchester and along the 1500 block of East 57th Street. Items taken include cash, tape and CD players, cameras and jewelry.

University and city police have added patrols to the area. Residents should take precautions by locking windows and doors and using air conditioning or by leaving lights on near open windows to discourage entry.