Public Safety and Outreach

9 p.m. Routine

What is the 9 p.m. Routine?

This national campaign was created in order to educate residents on what they can do to keep their property safe and reduce preventable crime. Every night at 9 p.m., residents are encouraged to take the safety steps below to reduce the risk of theft and other crimes.

How can I participate?

You can follow these easy steps every night at 9 p.m.:

  • Remove valuables from vehicles
  • Lock your vehicle doors
  • Close the garage door
  • Close and lock all exterior doors
  • Turn on exterior lights

We will be posting on Facebook to remind the community of the 9 p.m. Routine. You can follow us at facebook.com/desplainespolice.

Be on the Alert for Scammers

In 2021, the Federal Trade Commission received fraud reports from more than 2.8 million consumers last year, resulting in a loss of $2.3 billion. This has become a growing threat to our nation and education is the first step to protecting our community.

Email and Text Scams

Scammers may use emails or text messages to trick you into giving them your personal and financial information. Phishing emails and text messages often tell a story or pretend to be from a trusted company to trick you into clicking on a link or opening an attachment that downloads malware onto your device.

Protect yourself from phishing by verifying the sender’s email address or phone number, installing security software, setting your phone software to update automatically, using multi-factor authentication and backing up your data.

If you get an email or a text message that asks you to click on a link or open an attachment, ask yourself: Do I have an account with this company or know the person who contacted me? If the answer is “No,” it could be a phishing scam. If the answer is “Yes,” contact the company using a phone number or website you know is real — not the information in the email.

If you clicked on a link or opened an attachment that downloaded harmful software, need to report phishing or think a scammer has your information, go to consumer.ftc.gov to see what steps you should take.

Phone Scams

Some common phone scams reported in Des Plaines:

  • Social Security Administration – An agent advises that your SSN has been used in illegal activity.
  • Utility Company – A collections representative for a utility company saying there is a past due balance for your account.
  • Internal Revenue Service – Claiming that you owe back taxes.
  • Local Police Departments – Claiming that a relative has been arrested and needs bail money. They typically ask you not to contact another family member out of embarrassment.

Here are some steps you can take to prevent/recognize a phone scam:

  • Never give your personal information, including social security number!
  • Scammers often ask you to pay by wiring money, putting money on a gift card, prepaid card or cash reload card, or using a money transfer app. Trustworthy agencies will never ask you submit payment this way.
  • If you receive a call, hang up and call the organization they claim to be a part of and verify that they actually work there.
  • Don’t let scammers pressure you into making a decision at that moment.
  • Google the phone number they’re calling from – often these numbers have already been reported as scammers or verified as legitimate.
  • Consider the warnings from store cashiers and bank tellers. Many of them have recognized the patterns and trends of these scams and only want you to make the most informed decision.
  • If you receive a call from an unknown number do not pick it up.
  • Hang up on Robocallers (Ex: Vehicle Warranty Service). If using a cellphone, block nuisance callers.

Take additional measures to protect yourself:

  • Consider using a credit monitoring services such as Equifax, TransUnion, Experian, etc.
  • Put your phone number on the National Do Not Call Registry online or call 1-888-382-1222 from the number you wish to register.

If you do fall victim to a phone scam or know of one, you can register it on the Federal Trade Commission website.

Please remember to stay safe and watch out for each other in the community!

Prevent Ruse Burglary

A ruse burglary is when offenders use a "ruse" to distract victims and enter their home to commit a burglary. Offenders use a "ruse" to distract victims and enter their home to commit a burglary. They often:

  • Target the elderly.
  • Impersonate a utility worker, city worker or contractor (e.g. wear a neon vest, carry a radio).
  • Work in teams - one offender distracts the homeowner while the other(s) enter the home. 
  • Approach homeowners about unsolicited home repair work.

Take these steps to protect yourself:

  • Call the utility company or police department to verify the individual's identity.
  • Keep your doors and windows locked.
  • Never let someone into your home if you're not expecting them, and don't step outside with them.
  • Don't accept unsolicited work. Ask for a business card and end the conversation quickly.

Call the police if you are the victim of a ruse burglary or if there is any doubt or question about an individual who has come to your home.

Protect Your Vehicles

We've seen an increase in reports of stolen catalytic converters in the Chicagoland area. Here's what you need to know:

What is a Catalytic Converter?
Metal cylinders, often made of precious metals, attached to the car exhaust to reduce harmful gasses from being released into the environment.

How do I know if mine was taken?
You may notice your vehicle making a loud roaring noise or even sputtering when changing speeds.

How can I prevent mine from being stolen?

  • Park in a secured garage or a well-lit area of a parking lot.
  • Adjust your car alarm so it will detect smaller vibrations.
  • Consider asking for your converter to be welded to the frame or having your VIN etched into it.
  • Be cautious of suspicious people looking into or under vehicles!!!

What should I do if mine is taken?
Contact your local police department immediately and then follow up with your insurance company.

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