A recent community alert issued by the Chicago Police has notified residents of the 014th District of a series of residential burglaries. The crimes are characterized by forcible entries, typically through side or rear doors, and involve the ransacking of homes in search of valuables. Police report that the burglaries have occurred in several locations over the past few days.
Specific incidents include a forced entry in the 1800 Block of W. Dickens Ave. on October 2, 2024, at 3:25 p.m., followed by a similar offense just 30 minutes later, at 3:55 p.m., on the 2200 Block of N. Leavitt St. Wearing hooded sweatshirts and masks, the burglars struck again on the 2000 Block of W. Churchill St. on October 4, at 3:30 p.m. According to the alert, in one of the incidents, the offenders took an entire safe and carried it from the premises that they forcibly entered.
The offenders have been described as three male African Americans wearing black, blue, and white hooded sweatshirts, surgical masks, and gloves. Their mode of transportation was reported as a 2005 Silver GMC Savana van, Illinois registration plate 102028PV, which has a notable huge dent on the rear and was observed at the scenes of the crimes.
The police are advising the community to stay vigilant, secure their properties, and refrain from confronting the suspects. Homeowners are encouraged to check the functionality of any surveillance systems. "Do not try to rationalize or confront offenders, it could lead to possible injury," warns the Chicago Police in their alert. Residents witnessing any suspicious activity are urged to call 911 and provide detailed information about the offenders and any vehicles involved.
