A string of forceful break-ins has beleaguered businesses across Chicago's 18th District, following a chilling pattern of smashed glass and ransacked properties. The Chicago Police Department has issued a business alert, notifying the local business community about the recent surge of commercial burglaries, asking them to stay vigilant and secure their premises.

In these late-night incidents, the assailants have broken into businesses by shattering glass doors. According to the alert, the offenses occurred across several beats, suggesting a calculated approach to target the area's commercial sector. The breaches took place in the wee hours, with two incidents reported on the 500 block of West Dickens Ave and the 1500 block of North Dayton St on the same early morning of May 3, 2024.

The offenders, described as one to two African American males, though lacking further details, have made off on foot after their invasive attacks. With incidents spanning from Webster Ave to North Ave, the scope of these crimes holds the local area in a state of unease. The police have yet to provide more comprehensive descriptions of the individuals involved in these acts of theft and property damage.

Measures have been suggested for local businesses, advising proprietors to maintain well-lit perimeters and ensure their properties are locked down. The alert also urges prompt repairs for any structural vulnerabilities and encourages the use of video surveillance to aid police investigations. The police have called for the local community's assistance, encouraging the reporting of any suspicious activity and asking those who find themselves victims not to disturb the crime scene and immediately call for police assistance.