The Chicago Police Department has issued a community alert to notify residents of a series of burglaries targeting work vans across multiple neighborhoods in the 19th District. According to the official CPD alert, the spate of thefts has struck North Center, Lincoln Square, Uptown, Lakeview, Roscoe Village, West Lakeview, Lake View East, and Wrigleyville. The alert details a pattern in which work vans parked on the street were broken into by unknown offenders, who then proceeded to swiftly remove tools and escape in an awaiting vehicle.
These recent incidents occurred in quick succession on November 25 and November 26, 2025, striking at various times, mostly in the morning hours. The burglars used a cutting tool or saw to efficiently defeat the locks on the vehicles. Police have advised that surveillance videos of these incidents may offer further leads and have made available a video on their website for the public's assistance in identifying the offenders.
The CPD's description of the suspects involved two African American males wearing dark clothing. Authorities are urging community members to remain vigilant, to always promptly report any suspicious activity, and, if confronted by a witness, to obtain their contact information without pursuing the assailants. Detailed information on the incident dates and locations can be found in the official community alert.
The police are also asking residents and businesses to immediately dial 9-1-1 if they encounter a situation related to the alert and to remain on the scene when possible. Additionally, the recommendation to potentially capture and preserve video evidence could prove to be crucial for the investigating detectives. They are imploring anyone with video surveillance capability to save and share a copy of any relevant footage.
