Avondale's business community is on alert following a series of break-ins targeting local establishments, with Chicago Police seeking information on an unknown burglar identified by their distinct yellow reflective vest. The brazen crimes occurred in the early hours of March 27, with two reported incidents on the 3000 and 3200 blocks of North Milwaukee Avenue, the Chicago Police Department reported in a recent public notice.
In each burglary, the perpetrator shattered a window to gain entry, then managed to extract U.S. currency from either the registers or safes within. The concurrent timing of the break-ins – at 3 a.m. and 3:07 a.m., respectively, as detailed by the Chicago Police Department.
Authorities have advised business owners to remain vigilant, highlighting the importance of environmental design and security measures such as well-lit perimeters, functional and secure doors and windows, and the expeditious repair of any compromised entry points. Additionally, they have emphasized the value of community awareness, suggesting nearby businesses communicate with one another to create a shared network of surveillance against common threats.
The Chicago Police Department has also called for the preservation of any potential video surveillance footage, which could prove instrumental in the ongoing investigation, thus business owners are urged to maintain their recording devices in working order, and, in the unfortunate event that a crime should occur, they are cautioned not to tamper with the scene but rather immediately notify the police, gathering witness information when available.
