West Town residents and business owners are being put on alert after a string of commercial burglaries have hit the neighborhood, according to a Chicago Police Department report. The incidents, which occurred in early January, typically involved the shattering of front glass doors or side windows of businesses with a heavy object, followed by theft of items such as cash, tobacco products, and vape pen batteries.
The break-ins were reported at two locations: the 700 block of N. Milwaukee Ave. with incidents yesterday between 6:08 a.m. and 6:15 a.m., and the 500 block of N. Halsted St., hit at approximately the same time that morning. The offenders, captured on surveillance but as yet unidentified, are two males with covered faces and dressed in dark clothing, one wearing a jacket with distinctive white stripes on the arms, and Nike branding on the back, the other in a blue top with vertical lines on the back.
The Chicago Police provided descriptions of the suspects in hopes that community members could assist in identification. Offender one is described as wearing black pants, a blue top, a dark hoody, with white stripes on the arms, a dark black face mask, blue gym shoes, and gloves. The second offender appears in a black ski mask, a top presumed blue with three lines going vertical on the back of the jacket, beneath a blue dark hooded sweatshirt, dark pants, black gym shoes, and carrying a backpack, and gloves.
Authorities are advising local businesses to increase security measures, such as maintaining well-lit perimeters, securing potential entries, and promptly repairing any damage incurred. If any suspicious activity is observed, they recommend immediate reporting to the police. For businesses already victimized, the protocol is to avoid tampering with the crime scene and contact the police forthwith. Those with video surveillance are instructed to save and provide copies to investigators. Additionally, any potential witnesses should be asked to provide contact information.
