Burglars have set their sights on small businesses on the South Side, with a duo of daring pre-dawn break-ins, according to a business alert issued by the Chicago Police Department. The alert, which cited recent burglaries, took place within a minute of each other in the Wentworth area—specifically the 1400 East block of 47th Street at 5:17 a.m. and the 1300 East block of 47th Street at 5:18 a.m. on Thursday.
In both incidents, the perpetrators forced their way into the premises by breaking a door or a window, leaving with an undisclosed amount of goods, the Chicago Police Department disclosed. Experts believe that businesses need to brace up for these interruptions that are more than just a break of glass or a crack of wood—but a rupture in the community's sense of security.
Local shop owners and residents are being advised on preventive measures to take, such as keeping the perimeter of their properties well-lit and ensuring doors and windows are always secured. Furthermore, the CPD encourages property owners to promptly address any security vulnerabilities like broken windows, doors, or locks.
The police have also requested that if any business falls victim to such a crime, they should refrain from disturbing the crime scene and instead immediately call the police. In the same breath, they have pointed out that owners with video surveillance should save a copy of the incident for detectives probing the burglaries. Witnesses approaching with information should also not be disregarded but rather asked for contact details, potentially holding the key to piecing together these premeditated puzzles of crime.
