Lincoln Police Department sees increase in crimes against property

[July 01, 2022]  The Lincoln Police Department has seen a sharp increase in reported thefts and burglaries during 2021-2022. These types of offenses are categorized as "crimes against property" and tracked through a system called the National Incident Based Reporting System, which is used by the Federal Bureau of Investigation to collect data about criminal activity from jurisdictions that utilize automated reporting systems.

The most commonly targeted structures have been garages, sheds, outbuildings and unoccupied residences. The majority of the burglaries have been reported on the west side of Lincoln, south of Woodlawn Road and north of 5th Street. Aside from burglary, simple thefts are on the rise as well, particularly the theft of catalytic converters which are being stolen from parked vehicles.

Lincoln Police urge residents to lock all doors of residences, outbuildings and parked vehicles, as well as invest in strong locks; motion activated lighting and exterior cameras for outbuildings. Photographing your valuables, recording model and serial numbers and writing your name in permanent ink on your valuables such as tools is also recommended. Locks and lighting offer protection and deterrence. Cameras can offer critical evidence to be used against a suspect if the unfortunate circumstance that you become a victim, arises.

During the last 12 months, the Lincoln Police Department has arrested 8 burglary suspects and 57 theft suspects. This number does not include suspects who have been charged with those crimes while in custody for a different offense, or those who have been charged but not yet captured.

On June 28, 2022, the Lincoln Police Department executed a search warrant at a residence in Lincoln, Illinois, regarding a burglary and possession of stolen property investigation. A large quantity of stolen property was recovered and the suspect was arrested for possession of stolen property valued at more than $10,000 but less than $100,000. This investigation is still active and ongoing. If you have information regarding crimes of this nature, please contact crimestop
[e-mail]. 

If you are a victim, please make a detailed list of the stolen items, including model and serial numbers and have it ready for an Officer to collect.

[Chief of Police Matthew Vlahovich
Deputy Chief of Police Joseph Meister]