Chicago has seen a sharp rise in commercial burglaries across its 15th and 25th Districts, with a string of incidents being reported within just hours of each other. According to the Chicago Police Department, the thieves have been targeting local businesses, their vehicles of choice being a conspicuous black BMW SUV.
A pattern of burglaries emerged in the early hours, with offenders forcing entry into businesses and removing ATMs before fleeing. The incidents occurred on Tuesday in Austin and Galewood, and on Wednesday in Belmont Cragin. Notably, two Belmont Cragin businesses were targeted within an hour of each other. In a troubling series of unsolved crimes, police report the involvement of two unidentified African American males and one unidentified female, as reported by the Chicago Police Department.
Local business owners are on high alert, and the police have issued recommendations to intensify security measures. "Keep the perimeter of your property well-lit," urges the CPD's notice, alongside advising businesses to stay vigilant, secure all entry points, and maintain functional surveillance systems. In case of a burglary, proprietors should "not touch anything. Call police immediately" and preserve any footage that could assist in the investigation, as per the Chicago Police Department.
In response to these break-ins, the community is banding together to safeguard their livelihoods. "Be aware of this crime and notify nearby businesses," the CPD cautions. The authorities are asking anyone with information to report suspicious activity without delay and, if approached by a witness to the incident, request contact information, ensuring that every lead is followed up on as they hunt for the BMW that spells trouble for Chicago's merchants.
