Village officials are warning residents to be on the lookout for scrap metal thieves.
Several years ago the village started to notice an increase in "scrap metal trucks" traveling through Palatine looking for businesses trying to get rid of their scrap metal, according to a July 3 Palatine e-newsletter.
As the cost of scrap metal increased in price, more recently the northwest suburbs have been experiencing these trucks cruising through neighborhoods looking for scrap metal either put out on the curb on garbage night or even on other days of the week.
In addition, a lawn mower was recently stolen from a Palatine resident's yard but was later returned to the owners, according to the Palatine e-newsletter. No charges were filed.
Village officials are encouraging residents to keep this information in the "back of your mind as you are working around the house this summer," according to the e-newsletter.
"If scrap metal trucks come by your home, ask yourself if there's anything you put near the curb that could be mistaken for scrap," according to the e-newsletter. "If you notice a scrap truck taking something that doesn't appear to be abandoned at the curb for this purpose, please call 911."
A description of the vehicle, license plate number, along with a direction of travel is helpful for police. As advised in the past, residents are encouraged to do so from a safe distance.
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