Businesses across three Chicago districts are on alert as a series of commercial burglaries continue, with offenders targeting money from cash registers and ATMs. According to a public notice released by the Chicago Police Department, the burglaries have occurred in the 10th, 11th, and 15th Districts with a pattern involving the defeat of security gate locking mechanisms, followed by the breaking of front windows or doors to gain entry.
The incidents have been happening since late June, with the most recent occurring on July 31, 2024. The locations of the incidents, which all took place in the early morning hours include various blocks of West Chicago Ave, West Monroe, West Fulton St., West Lake St., West Cermak Rd, South Laramie Ave, West Roosevelt Rd, and South Cicero Ave. In these events, up to seven offenders are reported to be involved, two to four of whom, act as lookouts during the crimes.
There is video evidence available, and the Chicago Police Department is urging business owners to be vigilant, maintain functioning surveillance systems, and preserve any footage that could assist in the investigation. In a quoted statement from the alert, "If video surveillance is available, save and make a copy of the incident for the investigating detectives."
Details about the offenders note that they wear hoodies, face masks, and gloves to conceal their identities during the burglaries. Business proprietors and witnesses are advised to dial 9-1-1 immediately in the event of an incident and, if possible remain on the scene. The police stress that, "If you are a victim, please do not touch anything until police arrive" to preserve any potential evidence. The alert includes pragmatic steps for the community to take to boost security and awareness, fostering a collective defense against these criminal acts.
For further updates and information on these ongoing commercial burglaries, community members are encouraged to visit the Chicago Police Department's website.
