Chicago's retail landscape endured a bold assault as thieves, wielding stolen cars as battering rams, launched a spate of crash-and-grab burglaries. The spree, focused on the city's Northwest and West sides, notably Garfield Park and Humboldt Park, is now under police investigation following vivid footage of the incidents.
The Chicago Police Department (CPD) is investigating these burglaries which involve suspects ramming a vehicle through the front of businesses to gain entry. A surveillance video procured by ABC7 Chicago captures the moment a dark sedan backed into the window of an establishment on Madison Street before culprits scoop up merchandise.
Crimes occurred in quick succession, first on Nov. 9 at the 4000-block of West Madison Street at precisely 4:48 a.m., and the subsequent day at 4:00 a.m. on the 800-block of North Kedzie Avenue. CPD has released a description of the suspects, spotlighting multiple African American males aged between 15 to 19 years garbed in all black, with faces obscured by black masks.
Further elaborating on the modus operandi, FOX 32 Chicago shared that after smashing into the stores, perpetrators made off in an alternate stolen vehicle, typically a van. Notably, in one recorded instance, at least seven individuals can be seen darting into the store following the vehicle's smash-through to pilfer various items.
The authorities are reaching out to the community for assistance in these cases. CPD has urged anyone with pertinent information to connect with Area Four detectives at 312-746-8253 or to offer tips anonymously at CPDTIP.com, referencing report #P25-4-026.
