Chicago police are sounding the alarm for diners and bar patrons in River North and Fulton Market after two reported thefts where suspects allegedly snatched phones off restaurant tables, then used the victims' credit cards, authorities said. The incidents happened inside bars and restaurants, with offenders reportedly distracting customers first, then lifting the devices. Officers are urging people to stay sharp near closing time and in crowded dining areas.
Where police say the thefts happened
One of the reported thefts happened Thursday on the 100 block of West Illinois Street in River North. Police say an earlier incident took place on Jan. 15 in the 200 block of North Green Street in the Fulton Market district, according to FOX 32 Chicago. The outlet reports that credit cards stolen in connection with the cases were later used at a department store. Chicago police provided those details to the station as part of an ongoing investigation.
How the thieves operate
According to the Chicago Police Department, suspects use small distractions to set up the grab, such as dropping something near a table or placing a bag over a phone, then walking off with the device. Officers described one suspect as wearing a black skullcap, a black hooded sweatshirt and carrying a bag. Detectives say stolen phones and cards are often put to use quickly, sometimes at nearby retail stores.
What police recommend
The department is urging customers to keep phones on their person instead of on the table and to store credit cards separately from phones so thieves cannot walk off with both items at once, as reported by FOX 32 Chicago. Anyone with information is asked to contact Area Three detectives at 312-744-8263 or submit an anonymous tip at CPDTIP.com using reference number P26-3-003. Police also want people to call 911 right away if they notice suspicious behavior around restaurant tables.
Broader pattern
The latest warning comes after similar alerts late last year, when groups in River North reportedly approached people for donations or Instagram follows and then used victims' phones to move money through payment apps, as reported by NBC Chicago. CWBChicago and other local outlets have also highlighted violent robberies and so-called follow-for-donation ruses in the neighborhood. Those reports describe suspects working in groups and focusing on late-night hours when bar and restaurant customers are heading out. Police say the tactics keep shifting, which means restaurants and customers need to stay on alert.
Police advise restaurants to remind staff to watch for groups lingering near tables and to help secure customer belongings when possible, while patrons are urged to keep valuables on their person. Victims should contact their bank immediately to dispute any unauthorized charges, review account statements and file a report with detectives so investigators can track emerging patterns. Detectives say the investigation is ongoing and are asking anyone with video or information to reach out to Area Three investigators.
