The Chicago Police Department has issued a community alert of an uptick in motor vehicle thefts within the 9th District. Residents of Armour Square and Bridgeport have been particularly affected, with several incidents reported throughout December. According to the police release, unsuspecting vehicle owners returned to their parking spots only to find their cars vanished.

Multiple locations have documented these thefts, beginning on December 1, with two occurrences in Armour Square and another in Bridgeport. In one of these incidents, the victims parked their car, and upon their return, it mysteriously disappeared. Following this reports from the 3100 Block of South Wells St and several other blocks within the same neighborhoods indicated a string of thefts ranging from late at night to the early morning hours.

While the description of offenders remains undisclosed, the CPD has provided residents with preventive measures to deter potential thefts. They suggest keeping vehicles locked and refraining from leaving keys inside or the vehicle running unattended. Vigilance and immediate reporting of any suspicious activities are highly encouraged. The community alert includes urging locals to be mindful of individuals loitering and to call 911 with any detailed information regarding potential offender(s) or suspicious vehicles.