Residents and shopkeepers in Chicago's Deering neighborhood are on high alert after a series of business burglaries have struck the area. The Chicago Police Department has issued a business alert for the 9th District, following several incidents where businesses were broken into by perpetrators smashing side glass windows and looting the premises. These crimes were reported to have occurred in the early hours of the morning.
The string of burglaries primarily targeted the 4500 Block of South Ashland Avenue, with break-ins reported on December 24th and December 25th, 2023. According to the Chicago Police Department's alert, the suspect is described as a male, possibly Hispanic, standing 6 feet tall, weighing around 200 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair. The individual, believed to be aged between 20 and 25, was last seen wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, black sweatpants, and a black surgical mask.
In response to the break-ins, the CPD has urged the local business community to take preventive measures. Business owners are being advised to maintain well-lit premises, ensure windows and doors are securely locked, and promptly fix any breaches in security such as broken windows or locks. Furthermore, the police recommend that if a business has video surveillance, footage of any incidents should be saved and handed over to detectives. In the event of being targeted by burglars, proprietors should refrain from touching anything and call the police immediately.
The police also stress the importance of community vigilance, encouraging citizens to report any suspicious activity they might witness. Additionally, in case someone happens to be a witness to a burglary, the CPD advises them to obtain contact information, which could aid the investigation. The alert concludes with a recommendation, secure window air conditioning units, which could otherwise provide an easy access point for would-be thieves.
This latest spate of burglaries is a stark reminder for the community in the 9th District to be aware and to collectively work towards deterring such crimes. The CPD continues to investigate these incidents and is seeking any information that may lead to the apprehension of those responsible for the burglaries.
