Silk Oak Lane - detail

My inquiry to the Crystal Lake Police Department was promptly and professional responded to. I had requested a copy of any press release that was issued about this incident, and I heard back quickly from Chief Linder. This time, as in the past, the Crystal Lake Police Department has been open and transparent in its dealings with me. I especially appreciate this, and I thank them for their cooperation.

The reply follows:

"There was no press release. Apparently the property owners association called in a burglary to progress at a home that is under foreclosure. When the officers arrived, they noted people in the upstairs of the home and were told by the property management company that there was not to be anyone in the home. The officers attempted to raise someone by knocking on the door and when no one answered, they entered the home under the assumption that there was a crime in progress. When confronted with the people in the home, these people told the officers that they were a realtor and prospective buyers. Apparently the bank felt that they had ownership and had listed the home and no one told the property management Co. who up to this point felt they owned the house because of unpaid property assessments. Apparently no one knows exactly who owns the house, but they are aware that in the future they should coordinate their showings so as not to create the same kind of situation where the police are told that there is a crime in progress."

A careful response by police is important. There are many daytime burglaries right under the noses of neighbors. No one wants a police officer or a citizen injured.

I wonder what information the reporting caller provided to the police dispatcher. Did the caller say, "There is a nice Buick out front with a real estate agent's magnetic sign on it" or did the caller say "There is an old, rusty pick-up that a bunch of scruffy guys just got out of"? Probably not the latter; maybe not even the former.

Providing sufficient information to a dispatcher and staying on the line until the dispatcher is ready to end the call is extremely important. The dispatcher will relay details to the officers who are responding, even after they arrive. Additional and complete information helps an officer to respond appropriately and safely.

My thanks again to Chief Linder for his help.