Chicago police are sounding the alarm for Chinatown business owners after a pair of burglaries in the neighborhood’s main commercial corridor, where intruders forced their way in through rear doors and grabbed property from inside.
The two incidents were reported just days apart: on March 16 in the 2200 block of South Wentworth Avenue, and on March 19 in the 200 block of West Cermak Road. Investigators from Area One are handling the cases and are asking anyone with information to call 312-747-8380.
What the police say
According to CBS Chicago, officers said the offenders slipped in through the rear doors and removed property from multiple businesses along the strip. The department issued a formal alert to merchants after the two reported break-ins, and detectives are now combing through surveillance footage as part of the investigation.
So far, police have not released any suspect descriptions and have not said whether any arrests have been made.
Part of a wider pattern
The Chinatown warning comes on the heels of a broader wave of overnight commercial burglaries and smash-and-grab hits that have triggered similar alerts in other parts of the city in recent months. FOX 32 Chicago and other outlets have reported earlier Chicago Police Department notices that urged business owners to reinforce windows and doors after coordinated crew-style break-ins.
In those patterns, police say crews often strike in the early morning hours when storefronts are dark and closed, targeting clusters of businesses in quick succession.
Police tips for merchants
The Chicago Police Department’s commercial burglary alerts lay out a few straightforward precautions for business owners. Merchants are urged to keep building exteriors well-lit, promptly repair broken locks and doors, and save copies of security video so investigators can review it later.
The alert also instructs victims, “If you are a victim do not touch anything, call police immediately,” according to the Chicago Police Department. Business owners are encouraged to document any damage and collect contact information from witnesses when possible.
How to report tips
Anyone who noticed unusual activity near the affected blocks on South Wentworth or West Cermak, or who has relevant surveillance footage, is asked to contact Area One detectives at 312-747-8380.
CBS Chicago reports that detectives are reviewing all submitted tips as the investigation continues.
