The Chicago Police Department has issued a business alert for the 16th District after a series of commercial burglaries struck the area early on the morning of Saturday. According to a CPD report, an unidentified group of perpetrators forced entry into several businesses by shattering windows or glass doors.
These incidents, taking place within mere minutes of each other, suggest a rapid and calculated spree affecting the Union Ridge, Portage Park, Old Irving Park, and Jefferson Park neighborhoods. Starting at 3:35 a.m. on the 5800 block of W Higgins Ave and, culminating at 3:51 a.m. on the 3900 block of N Cicero Ave. In each occurrence, the assailants made away with cash register drawers.
Witness descriptions point to three to four male suspects clad in masks, dark clothing, and gloves, operating in conjunction with a dark sedan. The spree, conducted under the cover of darkness, has provoked concerns among the district's business community about security measures and police presence during non-daylight hours.
Authorities are urging businesses to maintain functional surveillance systems and to report any suspicious activity immediately. They have emphasized the importance of not pursuing the assailants but instead, providing detailed information to law enforcement professionals. "If approached by a witness to the incident, request their contact information," the CPD statement advises.
