The Chicago Police Department (CPD) has issued a business alert after a series of commercial burglaries shook the 9th (Deering) District, according to an official notice on their website. These burglary incidents took place in two separate locations and involved an unknown offender breaking the glass of the front doors to gain entry and steal property.
Last Sunday, two businesses fell victim to this crime spree. The first incident occurred on the 4200 Block of South Archer Avenue at around 6:18 a.m., followed shortly after by another on the 3100 Block of West 47th Street at approximately 5:47 a.m. The assailant has not been identified but is believed to be between 20-35 years old and was last seen wearing a light gray hooded sweatshirt, tan pants, black boots, and a black ski mask.
As detailed in CPD's alert, the department is now encouraging the community and business owners to take vigilant actions. These include being aware of surroundings, reporting any suspicious activity immediately, and trying to remember any unique physical characteristics of any possible assailant that could aid in identification. Importantly, they urge the public not to pursue the fleeing suspect but to contact the authorities instead.
CPD's release also offered tips on handling the aftermath of a burglary. Businesses with video surveillance are advised to "save and make a copy of the incident for investigating detectives." Furthermore, should witnesses be present, their contact information should be requested, and victims are encouraged to dial 9-1-1 immediately – and, if possible, to remain on the scene until officers arrive.
