Diners in Armour Square should watch their belongings closely, as a series of thefts has struck the neighborhood, Chicago police warned. The thieves, described by victims, are preying on restaurant patrons, often using a brochure or menu to distract them before swiping their personal items, according to a community alert issued by the 9th District.
The reported thefts have a consistent pattern, where the offender initiates conversation with someone dining, then strategically places a menu or pamphlet over the diner's phone or wallet, and once the victim is engrossed, the thief makes away with their belongings along with the decoy paper. These incidents have been recorded at three locations on the 2200 block of S. Wentworth on December 5, the 2100 block of S. Archer on December 7, and the 2100 block of S. China Pl, also on December 7, suggesting the offenders are targeting the area.
Witness descriptions of the offenders involve two African American males, within the age ranges of 17-25 and 25-30, with one being notably shorter around 5'6"-5'8", and wearing a gray wool hat, brown jacket, dark jeans, and distinctive black & white Nike shoes, and the other standing 6'2" tall, donning a gray hooded sweatshirt, blue jeans, and white shoes. These details shared by the Chicago Police Department might aid in apprehension.
While police advise maintaining vigilance and keeping personal belongings secured, they also ask that any suspicious activity be reported immediately, citing these small actions can help prevent further victimization.
