String of over 20 burglaries involving businesses, work vehicles triggers warning from police

Gabriel Castillo
·4 min read
8
String of over 20 burglaries involving businesses, work vehicles triggers warning from police

CHICAGO — A string of more than 20 burglaries involving businesses and work vehicles around the city over the past two-and-a-half months has Chicago police searching for answers.

Officers are now offering a warning to plumbing and electrical businesses as police search for those responsible.

According to Chicago police, 23 burglaries have been reported around the North, Northwest, and West sides since Jan, 18.

Read more: Latest Chicago news headline

During each burglary, businesses and work vehicles parked near businesses, or on residential streets, were targeted.

Police say during each incident, a group of people gained entry into the businesses or vehicles by breaking doors and windows. Once inside, officers say thieves then stole tools and equipment.

Chicago police provided the following list detailing the times and locations of each incident:

  • 4300 block of North Lincoln Avenue, in North Center, on Thursday, Jan. 18, at 6 a.m.

  • 1100 block of West Webster Avenue, in Lincoln Park, between Thursday, Jan. 18, and Tuesday, Feb. 13, between 6 p.m. and 12:55 p.m.

  • 1100 block of West Webster Avenue in Lincoln Park, on Tuesday, Feb. 6, at 12:30 p.m.

  • 3900 block of North Central Avenue, in Portage Park, on Wednesday, Feb. 7, at 2:02 a.m.

  • 4300 block of North Lincoln Avenue, in North Center, on Wednesday, Feb. 7, at 5 a.m.

  • 4300 block of North Lincoln Avenue, in North Center, on Monday, Feb. 12, at 4:16 a.m.

  • 4200 block of West Hirsch Street, in Humboldt Park, on Wednesday, Feb. 14, at 1:28 a.m.

  • 1700 block of West Hirsch Street, in Wicker Park, on Wednesday, Feb. 14, at 2:02 a.m.

  • 3800 block of West Chicago Avenue, in Humboldt Park, on Wednesday, Feb. 14, at 2:15 a.m.

  • 800 block of North Keystone Avenue, in Humboldt Park, on Wednesday, Feb. 14, at 2:30 a.m.

  • 1100 block of West Webster Avenue, in Lincoln Park, on Wednesday, Feb. 14, at 3:14 a.m.

  • 4300 block of West Chicago Avenue, in West Humboldt Park, on Monday, Feb. 19, at 4:22 a.m.

  • 4300 block of West Chicago Avenue, in West Humboldt Park, on Wednesday, Feb. 21, at 2:36 a.m.

  • 4300 block of North Lincoln, in North Center, on Saturday, March 2, between 4:50 and 5:08 a.m.

  • 4300 block of North Kilpatrick Avenue, in Portage Park, on Tuesday, March 5, at 4:32 a.m.

  • 4300 block of North Kilpatrick Avenue, in Portage Park, on Wednesday, March 6, at 2:20 a.m.

  • 4300 block of North Kilpatrick Avenue, in Portage Park, on Wednesday, March 6, at 5 a.m.

  • 3500 block of West Lake Street, in Garfield Park, on Friday, March 8, at 2:48 a.m. – West Side

  • 4300 block of North Kilpatrick Avenue North Kilpatrick Avenue, in Portage Park, on Friday, March 8, at 4:02 a.m.

  • 3500 block of North Cicero Avenue, in Portage Park, on Friday, March 8, at 4:55 a.m.

  • 2300 block of West Nelson Street, in North Center, on Saturday, March 9, at 3:55 a.m.

  • 3900 block of North Western, in North Center, on Friday, March 29, at 4:55 a.m.

  • 2900 block of North Milwaukee, in Avondale, on Friday, March 29, at 5:00 a.m.

According to police, officers believe one to three men wearing dark clothing are responsible.

In late February, police shared videos captured by surveillance cameras of two of the burglaries that unfolded at a business on the West Side.

  • Photos provided by Chicago police capture three people who police believe were involved in a burglary at a business in the 4300 block of West Chicago Avenue, in West Humboldt Park, on Wednesday, Feb. 21, at 2:10 a.m.
    Photos provided by Chicago police capture three people who police believe were involved in a burglary at a business in the 4300 block of West Chicago Avenue, in West Humboldt Park, on Wednesday, Feb. 21, at 2:10 a.m.
  • Photo provided by Chicago police captures a white vehicle that police believe was used in at least two burglaries at a business in the 4300 block of West Chicago Avenue, on Monday, Feb. 19, at 4:22 a.m. and on Wednesday, Feb. 21, at 2:10 a.m.
    Photo provided by Chicago police captures a white vehicle that police believe was used in at least two burglaries at a business in the 4300 block of West Chicago Avenue, on Monday, Feb. 19, at 4:22 a.m. and on Wednesday, Feb. 21, at 2:10 a.m.
  • Photos provided by Chicago police capture two people who police believe were involved in a burglary at a business in the 4300 block of West Chicago Avenue, in West Humboldt Park, on Monday, Feb. 19, at 4:22 a.m.
    Photos provided by Chicago police capture two people who police believe were involved in a burglary at a business in the 4300 block of West Chicago Avenue, in West Humboldt Park, on Monday, Feb. 19, at 4:22 a.m.

In both videos, the people responsible approached the business in a white vehicle before gaining entry by driving the car into a garage door.

What can business owners do to prevent theft? 

Police advise businesses to keep the perimeter of their property well-lit and ensure surveillance cameras are functional and recording. Police say businesses should keep doors and windows secured and advise owners to quickly repair any broken windows, doors, or locks.

LATEST CASES: Missing people in Chicagoland

Police say business owners should also pay special attention to suspicious individuals loitering in the area.

Business owners are advised to make sure any existing surveillance cameras are functional and recording, and if video of the burglary is available, businesses should make a copy of it for authorities.

Police say those who fall victim to burglary should not touch anything and call 911 immediately.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.