Chicago businesses in the 8th and 9th Districts are being alerted to a wave of burglaries, as reported by the Chicago Police Department. The CPD has issued a warning following a string of incidents where businesses were broken into by smashing glass doors and cash taken from registers. The burglaries have been happening both during the day and night across various locations with a concerning frequency over the past month.
According to the Chicago Police, these cases seem to follow a pattern that includes one to three African American males wearing dark clothes and masks carrying out the crimes. The burglars have managed to successfully strike at multiple locations, and the police have provided specific blocks and times to help businesses stay alert. The incidents occurred over a series of dates and times, with the 7000 Block of West 63rd Street on June 26 at approximately 2:25 A.M. and the 3700 Block of West 79th Street on July 5 at about 2:41 A.M. among others listed in their release.
Business owners are being advised to take several precautions to safeguard their properties. Recommendations include keeping properties well-lit, securing doors and windows, and repairing any damage to these structures promptly. The police also urge business owners with video surveillance capabilities to save and make copies of footage in the event of an incident for investigative purposes.
For those who find themselves a victim of such an incident, the CPD instructs not to touch anything and to call the police immediately. They also encourage witnesses to come forward with any information they may have. "Report suspicious activity immediately," the CPD stresses, underscoring the importance of community vigilance during this spate of criminal activity. The Chicago Police Department continues to actively investigate these incidents and is asking for the public's cooperation to help them to swiftly respond to and prevent further burglaries.
