An Oak Lawn trustee applauded the efforts of the police department in the apprehension of a man who reportedly broke into a home.
Trustee Alex Olejniczak (2nd) mentioned during the Oak Lawn Village Board meeting Tuesday night that due to the quick response of the police, an incident in which a man who broke into a home at 94th and Parkside was quickly arrested.
“The police were able to get this person because of additional technology and drones in the area,” Olejniczak said. “I just want to let the police know that they did a great job. It was a full-court press and thanks to the police for this technology.”
Police at first believed that the man had a gun but it was later discovered that the technology focused on a silver object that later was determined to be a belt. However, the man was quickly arrested and incarcerated, the trustee said.
The trustee said that license plate readers have been valuable in checking the plates of offenders who are driving in and out of Oak Lawn. Additional technology also allows police to monitor neighborhoods and inside schools when it is warranted.
Olejniczak also brought up the fact that traffic has slowed near 95th and Austin due to construction of a new fieldhouse at Oak Lawn Community High School.
“I just ask everyone to be patient while the project is being worked on and everyone gets used to it,” Olejniczak said.
He added that the new traffic light along 93rd and Southwest Highway near the new parking lot at Oak Lawn High School was activated on March 21. The light is activated when someone drives out of the lot. Drivers are becoming more accustomed to the new traffic light and it will make access to and from the lot safer for motorists, Olejniczak said.
Mayor Terry Vorderer also weighed in on the police department and wanted to alleviate concerns some residents may have about the added technology.
“Someone called me and asked if the license plate readers are an invasion of privacy? I told them that every 30 days the images from these cameras are purged and are not seen again,” Vorderer said.
Trustee Ralph Soch (6th) also said the technology has made the police more efficient. He added that criminals are noticing.
“It is one of the best police departments out there,” Soch said. “If you look on social media you will see that it is mentioned to watch out for Oak Lawn because you can be stopped at a corner by four different police cars.”
Trustee James Pembroke (4th) took the opportunity to tell a larger than usual gathering at the meeting to drive safely.
“I just want to tell younger people to slow down driving in the neighborhoods,” Pembroke said. “And that also goes for dads, moms and older people as well.”
Vorderer said the Hometown Heroes program, which has former and present veterans honored with banners hanging on poles along main streets in the village, has been a success.
The mayor, who is a Vietnam Army veteran, said that banners have been raised along 95th Street and now extend from Pulaski Road to Harlem Avenue. He pointed out that banners will be going up along Cicero Avenue.
He said that families can have banners installed in the village by contacting Village Hall. The banners will remain up for two years and will be returned to the families.
Vorderer also proclaimed that “Arbor Day in Oak Lawn” will be recognized through April 25 in the village.