Residents of the Canaryville neighborhood in Chicago's 9th (Deering) District are being alerted by the Chicago Police Department to a spate of garage burglaries that have recently taken place. According to the official CPD community alert, these burglaries occurred across several locations and share a similar pattern of entry and escape.
The reported incidents involved an offender gaining access to victims' garages, either by exploiting an unlocked door or by picking the lock. The burglaries took place on the 4800 block of South Union Ave on August 1, the 500 block of West 45th Pl on August 3, and between the evening of August 10 and the morning of August 11 on the 4100 block of South Emerald Ave. Once inside, the perpetrator removed items before fleeing in a gray or silver two-door hatchback vehicle.
The suspected offender is described as an African American male, aged approximately between 25 to 25, standing at 6'00" with a dark complexion and a slim build of around 160lbs. They were last seen wearing a light-colored hooded sweatshirt, dark-colored shorts, and had hair styled in either dreadlocks or braids. The CPD has emphasized vigilance among community members and has provided a set of guidelines to enhance security and aid in the prevention of future incidents.
Among the precautionary measures advised by the police are keeping properties well-lit, ensuring all doors and windows are securely locked, and maintaining a closed overhead garage door when not in use. For those with vehicles parked inside their garages, it's recommended to keep them locked as well and to swiftly address any structural vulnerabilities, such as broken windows or locks. "Never pursue a fleeing assailant; provide the information to the police," cautions the CPD in their alert. In case of an encounter with a witness or if surveillance footage is available, the CPD urges residents to secure testimonies and save video evidence for investigative purposes.
