As the weather gets warmer and more people are visiting outdoor recreation sites, it’s a good time to review tips to keep your belongings safe so all of your 2022 nature outings are enjoyable.

Burglaries to motor vehicles can happen anywhere at any time of the day, said Forest Preserve Deputy Chief David Barrios Jr.

"The best thing to do is to leave your valuables at home," Barrios stressed. 

So far this spring, incidents have happened at Whalon Lake in Naperville, Rock Run Preserve – Paul V. Nichols Access in Joliet, Rock Run Preserve – Black Road Access in Joliet and Lower Rock Run Preserve – I&M Canal Access in Channahon Township,

Here are five vehicle safety tips from the Forest Preserve’s police department:

1. Lock your doors. This is good advice whether your vehicle is parked in a preserve or in your own driveway. Never leave your keys in your car or an unlocked vehicle running.
2. Do not leave valuables in view in your vehicle. Put them in the trunk prior to your arrival or – better yet – leave them at home. 
3. Report suspicious activity as soon as you see it. Call the nonemergency dispatch number, 815.727.6191.
4. Be a good witness. Get a description, location, direction of travel and license plate number when available. 
5. Report incidents immediately. Call 815.727.6191 for Forest Preserve police assistance during nonemergency situations and 911 for emergencies. 

Police encourage preserve users to program the nonemergency dispatch number into their cell phones. Forest Preserve police officers are dispatched to all Will County Forest Preserves by the Laraway Communications Center regardless of where the preserve is located in Will County. 

The District advises people to never confront someone who is in the act of committing a crime, but to call the dispatch number for nonemergencies or 911 for emergencies.