Noteworthy News in Tinley Park

Noteworthy News

An electronic newsletter for Tinley Park businesses

Nov. 9, 2022

Police asking for businesses' help in combating Grandparents scam

In the latest grandparents scam, thieves call seniors and pretend to be their grandchild, oftentimes using social media or asking leading questions to obtain real names to use in the ruse. They often call at night when victims are likely to be sleepy and won’t notice their “grandchild’s” voice sounds different.

Scammers tell the victim that their “grandchild” is in trouble and needs money for bond, typically because of an arrest or a car accident. Scammers ask seniors to send money right away, usually by wire transfer or prepaid card – both of which are untraceable. Sadly, many seniors fall for this scam and are swindled out of their money.

How You Can Help

The Tinley Park Police Department is asking all businesses that sell gift cards within the Village limits to let their employees know about this scam and post signs near their cash registers. Employees also should ask for a manager when elderly customers come to the store to buy gift cards. If you or your employees feel the customer is the victim of a scam, question them and call the police.

For more information on scams, please visit TinleyPark.org/Police.

Businesses encouraged to participate in camera authorization program

The Tinley Park Police Department has developed the Residential Camera Authorization Program, which asks Tinley Park residents and business owners to pre-register their personal security camera information so that police can use it to help solve crimes committed in the area.

When a crime occurs, the one of first steps the police department takes is to search the area for any security cameras, which may have recorded evidence of the crime that will be able to help the police during the investigation. Registering your security camera information ahead of time could help improve the investigation process and save valuable time and resources.

Registering for the program is as easy as providing the location and number of cameras on your property, along with who to contact in the event the video footage is needed. Registering for the program does not give the Tinley Park Police Department full access to your video footage; it only allows police to use certain videos on a case-by-case basis. It will ultimately be the owner’s option to share their video footage. Only select members of the police department will have access to your contact information.

Please consider participating in this program by filling out the registration form on the Village website. This process is fast, simple and secure.

Celebrate Small Business Saturday with these helpful tips

In celebration of Small Business Saturday on November 26, the Village would like to share some tips to help your business increase sales this holiday shopping season:

Vet Your Website: Check your website, social media platforms and business profile on major online directories to verify that your name, address, phone number, website, operating hours and products/services are correct.
Get the Word Out: Post and share special deals and promotions across your business' social media accounts and website.
Team Up with Another Business: Cross promote with another business who caters to a similar audience to help your business gain more exposure and attract new customers.

Tinley Park’s small businesses are the heartbeat of the community and the backbone of the local economy. Thank you for all that you do!

Only a few Holiday sponsorships left!

The Village still has Silver Bells sponsorships and Deck the Halls sponsorships available for the 16th annual Holiday Happenings event this December!

Consider sponsoring the event to market your business to thousands of Tinley Park and south suburban residents this holiday season. The three-day event attracts about 15,000 to 20,000 visitors throughout the weekend.

Visit the Event Participation Opportunities page for more information or to apply.

Village gearing up for holiday fun

From parades and festivals to live Christmas concerts and holiday-themed marketplaces, Tinley Park has plenty of yuletide fun planned this holiday season. Upcoming events include:

Amaze Light Festival (Nov. 18 to Jan. 8 at Odyssey Fun World)
Trans-Infinity Orchestra holiday concert (7 to 10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9 at the Tinley Park Convention Center)
Holiday Happenings (Dec. 2 to 4 in Downtown Tinley)
Tinley Park Holiday Walk (throughout the holiday season in Downtown Tinley)
Holiday Tree Project (throughout the holiday season in Downtown Tinley)
Elf in the Window contest (throughout the holiday season at participating Downtown Tinley businesses)

Learn more at TinleyPark.org/Holidays.

Chamber to host U.S. Secret Service

Representatives from the United States Secret Service will speak during the next monthly meeting of the Tinley Park Chamber of Commerce from 8:15 to 10 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 17 at Odyssey Country Club, 19110 S. Ridgeland Ave., Tinley Park.

Topics will include counterfeit detection, credit card fraud, check fraud, ID theft, business scams, email compromise and elderly scams. To RSVP, email [email protected].

Bank holds ribbon-cutting event

First Secure Bank and Trust Co., 18299 S. Harlem Ave., Tinley Park, recently held its ribbon-cutting ceremony. First Secure Bank and Trust was founded in Palos Hills in 1977 to serve the financial needs of the community.

New Holiday Inn opens

The Village is happy to announce that the new Holiday Inn at 18320 North Creek Drive has opened. The new hotel has 108 rooms, an indoor pool, a fitness room, meeting rooms, an outdoor patio, a dining area and a hotel lounge with a bar.