Mount Prospect police are asking for the public’s help after a home security camera caught five masked people trying to break into a Chevrolet Camaro parked in a residential driveway early Tuesday, in what turned into a clumsy and apparently unsuccessful burglary attempt. Officers say two members of the group appeared to be armed while two others rummaged through the vehicle, and the crew took off in two cars after damaging the driver’s-side interior. No one was injured, and police say nothing appears to have been taken.
Police release video and suspect details
According to a press release from the Mount Prospect Police Department, officers were called around 7:05 a.m. on April 7, after the Camaro’s owner walked outside, found glovebox items scattered across the front seat, and discovered the driver’s door jammed. Investigators say home-security images show two vehicles pulling up at about 5:20 a.m., followed by five masked individuals heading straight for the Camaro.
The department released still images and outlined detailed clothing and appearance descriptions for each suspect, hoping someone might recognize a jacket, shoes, or build. The group is seen arriving together, fanning out quickly around the car, and then heading back to their vehicles a short time later.
What the footage shows
Surveillance video reviewed by FOX 32 Chicago appears to show two people holding handguns and acting as lookouts while two others climb into the Camaro and rifle through the interior. The footage then shows the offenders returning to a light-colored sedan and a dark SUV before driving eastbound on Camp McDonald Road.
Police say the intruders managed to damage the driver’s-side interior, but, in what investigators suggest might have been a rushed job, they left without anything clearly missing from the vehicle.
Police response and safety advice
Per the department’s release, patrols in the neighborhood have been stepped up while detectives comb through the security footage, looking for anything that could help identify the group or their vehicles. Investigators are also checking for additional cameras along nearby streets that might have captured clearer angles of the sedan or SUV.
Mount Prospect police are reminding residents that if they spot someone breaking into a vehicle, they should not intervene and should instead call 911. The department is asking anyone with information to contact the Investigations Section at 847-870-5654.
This account is based on the village release and local reporting. FOX 32 Chicago reported that while the Camaro was damaged, nothing appeared to be missing, and investigators have urged neighbors to check exterior security cameras or dashcam footage and call the department with any potential tips.
