The Chicago Police Department has issued a business alert regarding a series of commercial burglaries in the city's 1st and 18th Districts. The affected neighborhoods, notably Chicago Loop and River North, have seen a spate of burglaries where cash registers were targeted. According to the official police notice, the incidents involved unknown culprits who used metal fire hydrant caps to break into businesses, leaving the city's hydrant caps at the scene in at least three cases.
Four specific incidents have been cited by the department, occurring between December 25 and December 28, 2024. The burglaries typically took place during nighttime or early morning hours, with the offenders forcefully entering the premises to steal cash registers. The locations in question include the 0-100 block of N. Wells, the 900 block of S. Wabash, the 300 block of W. Grand, and the 100 block of N. Franklin.
Authorities have described the offenders as one to two Caucasian males in their 20s, dressed in hooded sweatshirts. Meanwhile, local businesses are being advised to take precautions. Essential tips include keeping properties well-lit, staying vigilant for suspicious behavior, securing digital surveillance, and fortifying points of entry.
Reiterating the need for heightened security measures, the police are stressing immediate reporting of suspicious activities and securing potential evidence, such as video footage. "If you are a victim, do not touch anything. Call police immediately," the report urged. Business owners are encouraged to connect with their neighbors and law enforcement actively, to fortify their collective defenses against such criminal endeavors.
