In a series of early morning heists, a band of thieves has wreaked havoc across Chicago's auto repair shops, with the Chicago Police Department issuing a business alert for multiple districts plagued by robberies and burglaries. The alert warns of offenders smashing their way through glass doors and windows with bricks or even using a vehicle to ram into a garage door to gain entry. The city's mechanics are on high alert, wary of the next strike.
These criminal antics have shaken the 014th and 019th Districts, with ten incidents recorded between November 25 and November 30, ranging from 3:46 a.m. on the 3000 block of North Elston Avenue to a 5:02 a.m. intrusion on the 2400 block of North Pulaski, where once inside, the culprits have been swiping vehicle keys and swindling cash from registers. The robbers have targeted several spots across the area, indicating they have a clear plan and zero hesitation in executing it.
The suspects are two to three African American males, presumed to be between 18 and 24 years old, shrouded in dark hooded sweatshirts and hiding their identities behind black ski masks. Business owners are on edge, instructed to remain vigilant, reporting any dubious activities they might encounter to the authorities—guidance handed down by the Chicago Police Department to prevent further losses.
Shop owners are urged to repair any vulnerabilities, like broken windows or locks, quickly; the CPD also stresses the importance of preserving any video surveillance footage that could serve as critical evidence for detectives working the case.
