As the people of Chicago woke up to the news of yet another series of commercial burglaries, businesses in the Beverly and Avalon Park neighborhoods are on high alert. According to a business alert released by the Chicago Police Department, there have been several incidents involving one to four individuals using a crowbar to forcefully make their way into restaurants.
The offenders have a clear pattern: they strike during the pre-dawn hours to shatter glass doors, quickly gaining entry to the premises. Once inside, they appear to directly target cash machines and other merchandise before swiftly evacuating the scene. The CPD has reported three incidents in the early hours of June 27, pinpointing thefts on the 1400 block of East 87th St, the 2400 block of West 111th St, and the 11500 block of South Western Ave. The incidents all occurred between 3:00 and 5:00 a.m., a time when streets are largely vacant and the darkness provides cover for such nefarious activities.
Witness descriptions of the suspects have been vague; they were seen wearing black hooded sweatshirts, blue and black pants, and black masks to obscure their identity. With such limited information, the Chicago Police Department is urging the community to stay vigilant and proactively protect their businesses. They recommend keeping the perimeter of properties well-lit and ensuring surveillance systems are both operational and strategically placed to capture potential threats.
Local business owners are advised to be particularly heedful of suspicious activity and to report it without delay. Maintaining secure doors, windows, and locks is are key preventative measure. In the unfortunate event of a break-in, the CPD instructs not to touch anything and to call the police immediately. They also emphasize the importance of retaining video evidence and, if possible, obtaining contact information from any witnesses. In a move to dissuade criminals from attempting theft, businesses might also consider leaving empty cash registers open and visible from outside.
As the police continue to investigate these brazen acts of theft, community cooperation and adherence to the CPD's guidelines may just be the initial answer to preventing further losses. With the frequency and boldness of these crimes, the officers of the 4th and 22nd Districts are possibly more eager than ever to see this chapter of commercial burglaries come to a resolute close.
