Palos Heights, IL – A Chicago Ridge man was taken into custody after police said he allegedly stole kayaks and oars from Lake Katherine earlier this month.
According to the Palos Heights Police Department, staff reported the theft of kayaks on August 9 and August 18 after chains securing them had been cut. Surveillance cameras were later installed in the storage area. On Saturday around 4:30 a.m., officers responded to a report of a burglary in progress after an employee monitoring video footage observed a suspect breaking a boathouse shed window and leaving with oars.
Police said the individual, later identified as 30-year-old Matt Crout of Chicago Ridge, was seen on camera fishing at the property earlier in the morning and wearing distinctive clothing. Officers later found a vehicle in the Lake Katherine lot containing clothing that matched what was seen in the surveillance footage.
Investigators contacted the vehicle’s registered owner, who confirmed the suspect was their son. According to police, his parents also said he had brought two kayaks home in recent weeks. Officers then went to the residence, where Crout was taken into custody. He allegedly led police to two of the stolen kayaks and the missing oars.
The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office approved one felony count of burglary and two misdemeanor counts of theft in connection with the case. Crout was processed and released with a court date scheduled at the Bridgeview Courthouse.
Palos Heights Police thanked Lake Katherine staff for their cooperation during the investigation.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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