Two charged in burglaries to Highland Park vehicles

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Updated: March 17, 2012 10:02AM

Highland Park police arrested two men last week who allegedly broke into and stole valuables from five vehicles between Jan. 27 and Jan. 29.

During the three days, officers responded to nine vehicle burglaries in which iPads, GPS navigation units, radar detectors, tablet computers, jewelry and other personal items were stolen.

Police said the ensuing investigation, which followed the unlawful use of a victim’s credit card, led officers to Patrick E. Castellanos, of the 1600 block of Shermer Road, Northbrook, and Alan Rodriguez, of the 2700 block of Lauretta Place in Highland Park.

Highland Park police said Castellanos and Rodriguez are linked to five of the nine burglaries, referencing the recovery of some of the stolen property.

Castellanos and Rodriguez were charged with burglary, unlawful use of a credit card and identity theft, police said. They were transported to Lake County Bond Court, where bond was set at $50,000 for Castellanos and $25,000 for Rodriguez. Both were then remanded to the custody of the Lake County Sheriff pending a court appearance scheduled for Feb. 14.

Because the thefts targeted unlocked vehicles, police reiterated the need to lock car doors, keep valuables out of plain view and park in well-lit areas.