Chicago's business community is on high alert following a string of commercial burglaries across multiple neighborhoods. The Chicago Police Department has issued a statement detailing several break-ins involving a lone offender, who has been targeting various establishments by forcibly entering and stealing cash. The affected areas include Belmont Central, Irving Park, Logan Square, North Park, and Norwood Park, all of which fall under the jurisdiction of the 14th, 16th, and 17th Districts.
The method of operation was consistent in that the suspect would smash their way into each business, either through a window or front glass door, to quickly make off with cash. According to details posted on the Chicago Police Department's website, the burglaries occurred at various times, but predominantly under the cover of darkness.
Specific incident dates and locations include two occurrences on the 3300 block of W. Armitage in Logan Square on August 25, at half-past midnight. Moving into September, the 3200 block of N. Narragansett and the 6100 block of W. Belmont, both in the Belmont Central, were hit in the early morning hours of the 22nd. The pattern continued into October, notably with a break-in on the 6400 block of N. Milwaukee in Norwood Park on October 5, at around 10:40 p.m. Most recently, a burglary was reported on the 3400 block of W. Irving Park Rd. in Irving Park, occurring sometime overnight from October 6 to 7.
Witness descriptions pinpoint a single offender, dressed in dark clothing and gloves, and using a white SUV. Business owners and citizens alike are urged to maintain vigilance and immediately report any suspicious activity.
Anyone approached by a witness should also be sure to collect their contact information before contacting law enforcement.
