COLLINSVILLE, Ill. – Since the beginning of 2024, the Collinsville Police Department has received approximately 20 burglary reports from rental storage units at Red Dot Storage on S. Morrison Avenue.

Thieves have been cutting locks and even breaking through walls to access adjacent units. Investigators have identified multiple suspects, resulting in one individual being charged so far.  

The owner of Red Top Barbeque & Chili, located next to the storage units, says police patrols have kept his business safe.

“They’ll sit on the lot over there and then there garage is right there where they fuel. So, they’re in and out of here all the time,” Larry Gilmore, owner of Red Top Barbeque & Chili, said.

In a proactive move to curb these crimes, the Collinsville Police Department has partnered with Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Center for Crime Science and Violence Prevention. With the help of a nearly $300,000 grant, police have deployed two solar-powered mobile camera trailers, nicknamed “Dragon” and “Nighthawk.” These cameras are currently stationed at Main Street and the Gateway Convention Center. 

In the last 24 hours, Collinsville Police have identified two additional suspects. Charges have been submitted to the Madison County State’s Attorney Office.

As Collinsville Police continue to implement innovative security measures, they encourage residents to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activities.