Two teenagers are facing burglary charges after Cook County Sheriff's Police say they camped out inside Macy's on State Street after closing time, looted merchandise, and were later found wearing some of the goods when officers caught up with them. According to the sheriff's office, the theft happened the night of Feb. 1, and investigators arrested the suspects the following day. Authorities say one of the teens even drew a map of the Loop department store as part of the scheme. During a follow-up search, investigators say they recovered stolen sunglasses and cologne, and both juveniles were ultimately charged with burglary and released to their legal guardians.
What the sheriff's office says
In a post from the Cook County Sheriff's Office on X, officials said members of the sheriff's police Community Safety Team went to Macy's at 111 N. State St. on Feb. 2 after loss-prevention staff reported suspicious activity and found two juveniles still inside the store. The post said the teens admitted hiding in fitting rooms after closing and taking cologne, sunglasses and clothing, and that one had sketched out a map marking the seven-floor store's layout and target floors. Investigators later executed a search warrant at one teen's home and, according to the post, found additional stolen items. The sheriff's office also noted that the juveniles, like all suspects, are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
Retail theft and local enforcement
Cook County's organized retail-crime unit has been leaning on data and tracking tools to break up theft networks and recover merchandise. Investigators say they have made more than 500 felony arrests and recovered over $5 million in stolen goods over the past two years, according to ABC7 Chicago. The sheriff's office has also been involved in large hauls, including a warehouse bust that turned up more than $2 million in stolen merchandise, per the Chicago Sun-Times. Downtown chains, including Macy's on State Street, have figured in past cases, and law enforcement officials say coordination with retailers and prosecutors is becoming standard practice.
Legal status
According to the sheriff's post, both juveniles were charged with burglary and released to their legal guardians while the case moves forward. Details on court filings and the next hearing date were not provided, and authorities say the investigation is still active.
