Chicago businesses in the 8th and 9th Districts are on high alert after a string of burglaries struck the area in the early hours of June 26th. The Chicago Police Department reports an increasing number of incidents involving assailants who gained entry by breaking the glass doors and looting cash from the business registers. These brazen acts of theft spanned across several locations with one to three male offenders, clad in dark clothing and black face masks, initiating the attacks at various times throughout the night.

Details provided by the police note that the burglaries occurred at various businesses located within proximity, including the 7000 Block of West 63rd Street and just minutes later on the 5400 Block of South Mulligan Avenue. Subsequent burglaries took place on the 5900 Block of West 63rd Street and within the 300 Block of West 26th Street at times between 2:25 A.M. and 3:25 A.M. Due to the close timing and methods of entry, the incidents are believed by officials to be related.

The Chicago Police Department is advising business owners and employees to remain vigilant by keeping their property well illuminated and reporting any suspicion-inducing activity immediately. For those affected by a burglary, touching anything is advised against. Business owners should instead call the police straight away. Should reliable video evidence exist, the police request a copy to aid in the investigation, enhancing the trail leading to those behind the masks.