Chicago Police Issue Alert as Businesses Thwart ATM Burglaries in 11th and 15th Districts

Chicago business owners in the 11th and 15th Districts are on high alert following a series of break-in attempts targeting commercial businesses. The incidents involved perpetrators who managed to disable the security locks before attempting to break or enter the premises through the front windows or doors. However, in each case, the effort to burglarize the ATMs inside the establishments was unsuccessful. The Chicago Police Department has issued a business alert detailing these crimes.

According to the alert, the burglaries took place on August 31 at approximately 6:10 A.M. on the 3600 block of West Chicago Ave, and later on September 22 at nearly 6:00 A.M. on the 4800 block of West Chicago Ave. Witnesses have described seeing up to seven individuals wearing dark hooded sweatshirts, gloves, and face masks, with one or two acting as lookouts during the criminal act. These offenders are believed quickly to be in their early twenties.

The Chicago Police Department has issued several recommendations to local businesses in an effort to mitigate the risk of future break-ins. Owners are advised to remain vigilant and to keep themselves informed about crimes and alerts in the area. Police stress the importance of installing and maintaining a functional surveillance system. In case of an incident, businesses are encouraged to save video footage and provide a copy to investigating detectives.

Authorities also urge anyone who might witness such incidents to immediately dial 9-1-1 and then to try to stay on the scene, if it is safe to do so, to aid law enforcement upon their arrival. "If you are a victim, please do not touch anything until police arrive," cautions the alert. Furthermore, business owners should gather contact information from any potential witnesses, thereby to help facilitate the investigation process.