State’s Attorney reminds residents to be safe when visiting cemeteries

A Message From:

Anita Alvarez, Cook County State’s Attorney

As the weather finally turns to the warmer side and we celebrate the traditional spring and summer holidays of Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and Memorial Day, many citizens across Cook County will be traveling to our cemeteries to visit the resting places of their loved ones.

While cemeteries should be considered sacred ground and a quiet place to pay respects, police are regularly called to the scene at cemeteries in cases where citizens have been the victim of theft or robbery. As distasteful as it is, criminals will take advantage of unsuspecting or distracted citizens visiting the gravesite of a loved one. As with any crime, awareness is the key to prevention, so please consider the following safety measures to help keep you, your family members and friends safe and secure while visiting the cemetery.

• If possible, don’t visit the cemetery alone. Remember, there is safety in numbers.

• Don’t leave anything valuable in plain view in your vehicle. Lock your purse, wallet, any bags and jackets not being worn in your trunk or tuck them under the seat. Hide or put away any loose money you may have sitting in a cup holder or console.

• Take as few items with you to the gravesite as possible. Ideally, just your keys and cell phone, but if you are bringing flowers or tools to clean up around the site, try to carry everything in one bag. Being less encumbered will allow you to navigate the grounds better.

• Roll up your windows and lock your doors. It doesn’t matter how close to the site you are, it only takes a moment for a thief to open an unlocked door and take items sitting on the front seat or in the center console.

• If you see someone suspicious, report it to cemetery security. Likewise, if you see someone or something that makes you nervous or uneasy, go back to your vehicle, lock the doors and drive to the security office. If you feel you are in immediate danger, call 911 from your cell phone.

Taking a few precautions can make it more difficult for a would-be thief to make you the victim of a theft and help keep your trip to the cemetery peaceful and reflective.