Residents in the Bucktown, Lower West Side, and Tri-Taylor areas are on high alert after a string of burglaries targeting motor vehicles has been reported. According to a community alert issued by the Chicago Police Department, late model Honda Civics are the vehicles of choice for these thieves, with airbags being conspicuously removed from steering wheels.
The pattern of burglaries has unfolded across various locations within the 12th (Near West) and 14th (Shakespeare) Districts. These incidents seemingly have occurred overnight, with drivers discovering the break-ins the morning after. The specifics of the incidents, as mentioned in the alert, are as follows: on the 800 block of W. 16th St. and the 900 block of W. 18th St., break-ins took place between December 21-22, 2025. Bucktown's 2200 block of W. McLean and the 2000 block of W. Armitage saw similar incidents, with the latest on January 14-15, 2026. The Tri-Taylor neighborhood was not spared either, with a theft on the 2300 block of W. Flournoy occurring between January 15-17, 2026, as detailed by the CPD.
The offenders still remain at large, with witnesses so far only able to provide a vague description of unknown males possibly driving a red Ford F-150. Police are urging community members to stay vigilant and to keep an eye out for any suspicious behavior, especially person(s) lurking near vehicles.
For those who find themselves in the unfortunate position of falling victim to this crime, law enforcement advises to maintain composure and not to tamper with anything, which could potentially compromise evidence. "If you are a victim, do not touch anything. Contact the police immediately," the CPD statement warns. Citizens are encouraged to promptly call 911 if they spot the offenders, and they are to try to provide a detailed description that could aid the police in their investigation. Witnesses are crucial in these situations; if approached by someone who has observed an incident, it is recommended to request they remain on scene if possible, or to at least get contact information.
