Naperville Islamic Center Burglarized by Four Teens

July 24, 2006

Source: Chicago Sun-Times

[suntimes.com/output/news/cst-nws-mosque24.html]

On July 24, 2006 the Chicago Sun-Times reported, "It was burglary, not a hate crime, officials of a Naperville Islamic center said Sunday after four 18-year-olds appeared in court charged with a break-in at the building.

'We are convinced there was no racial or religious motivation' behind the burglary of the Islamic Center of Naperville late Friday, spokesman Kareem Irfan said.

'People were concerned, given the tense situation in the Middle East,' but it was clear the suspects were only after money, he said.

Because of a series of burglaries resulting in the loss of thousands of dollars in recent months, police were watching Friday night when the teens broke into the center at 450 Olesen Dr., Irfan said.

All were charged with burglary."