Police investigating armed home invasion, auto theft in southwest Illinois town

Swansea police are investigating a home invasion after a family reported four armed men entered their house through an open garage and stole a car early Tuesday.

No injuries were reported, police said in a release.

Police received the call at 5 a.m. in the 3400 block of Rand Lane off Old Collinsville Road.

“All suspects had firearms and demanded valuables,” the police statement said. “They attempted to steal a vehicle out of the garage but it was blocked in. The suspects stole a gray 2015 Nissan Altima with Illinois registration DB88010.”

The stolen car was spotted about 10 minutes later on Interstate 64 in Fairview Heights but it had not been recovered by Tuesday afternoon.

A neighbor’s surveillance camera possibly shows the suspect’s white pickup truck and the victim’s Nissan leaving the scene, police said.

The suspects were wearing masks, but more detailed descriptions of the suspects were not released.

“We are asking everyone to check their security cameras and call the Swansea Police if you see something suspicious, Police Chief Steve Johnson said in the post.

“As safe as Swansea is, it is also a good reminder to have an alarm system and lock your doors and garage doors,” he said in a statement. “Consider not leaving garage door openers in your vehicles parked outside.”

Anyone with information about the crime is asked to contact Swansea Detective Gary Reuter at 618-233-8114 or call St. Louis Area CrimeStoppers anonymously at 1-866-371-8477. You may be eligible for a cash reward up to $2,000.

This story was originally published November 2, 2021 at 2:13 PM.