Who Are the Burglars, Breaks Into Dozens of Chicago Businesses for Months

In recent months, Chicago businesses have been plagued by a spate of burglaries carried out by highly organized crews. These burglars employ tactics that are both brazen and systematic, leaving business owners across the city increasingly vulnerable.

The incidents span multiple neighborhoods, from the South Side to the West Side, raising questions about who these burglars are, their methods, and what law enforcement is doing to address the situation.

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Burglary Crew was Targeting Businesses Across Chicago

A Pattern of Break-Ins: How the Burglaries Unfold

The methodology used in these burglaries highlights a high degree of planning. On the South and Far South Sides, police reported that the suspects use chains to rip off business doors, utilizing vehicles to forcibly remove them. Once inside, the crew targets cash registers, ATM machines, tobacco products, and other valuable items.

In total, more than 18 incidents have been reported in these areas since September. Recent break-ins occurred on December 20, 2024, at a business on the 11100 block of South Halsted Street and on December 17, when the crew struck three locations, including the 7800 block of South Cottage Grove Avenue and the 400 block of East 83rd Street.

The West Side saw a different modus operandi from a similar or possibly unrelated crew earlier in 2024. In these cases, burglars used tools to defeat security gates and shattered windows or doors to gain entry. Surveillance footage captured the suspects loading stolen ATMs into vehicles, often blue pickup trucks, and prying them open at the scene to access the cash.

Locations and Timelines of the Burglaries

The crimes on the South and Far South Sides occurred at locations including:

• September 8: 10600 block of South Torrence Avenue
• October 6: 8500 block of South Ashland Avenue
• November 14: 2300 block of West 111th Street
• December 17: Multiple locations, including the 7800 block of South Cottage Grove Avenue

Meanwhile, the West Side saw a surge in similar crimes during the summer of 2024, with incidents reported at:

• June 27: 5200 block of West Chicago Avenue
• July 17: 4800 block of West Fulton Street
• July 25: 3700 block of West Roosevelt Road

Who Are the Burglars?

Authorities believe that the South and Far South Side burglaries are carried out by a crew of individuals who dress in dark clothing to conceal their identities. They are known to operate quickly and efficiently, often striking multiple locations in one night.

On the West Side, police describe the suspects as a group of up to seven people. Two to four serve as lookouts while the others commit the break-ins. They wear hoodies, face masks, and gloves to obscure their identities, and their methods suggest familiarity with security systems.

Descriptions provided by witnesses and video footage indicate that at least some offenders are African American males wearing dark winter clothing and gloves. However, due to the generic attire and lack of identifiable features, pinpointing their identities has proven difficult.

Law Enforcement Response and Warnings

The Chicago Police Department has issued several warnings and advisories to businesses in affected areas. Business owners are urged to strengthen their security measures, such as upgrading locking mechanisms, installing reinforced doors, and setting up high-quality surveillance cameras. Police have also called for community assistance, encouraging residents to report suspicious activity and provide any information related to these crimes.

Detectives in multiple precincts, including Areas Three and Four, are investigating the incidents. Residents are encouraged to report any sightings of suspicious individuals or vehicles by calling 312-746-8253 (Area Four) or 312-744-8263 (Area Three). Anonymous tips can also be submitted via the website CPDTIP.com, referencing the specific case number provided in police alerts.

Despite the extensive pattern of burglaries, there have been no reported arrests directly tied to these crews as of now. Investigations are ongoing, with police reviewing surveillance footage and gathering evidence from each crime scene. The lack of apprehensions has fueled concerns among business owners and residents, who fear the burglars may strike again.

Conclusion

The burglary crews targeting Chicago businesses have managed to evade capture while causing significant financial and emotional distress to the city’s business community. With over 18 incidents reported in just a few months on the South Side and a similar spree on the West Side earlier in the year, it remains unclear whether these crimes are connected or if multiple groups are operating independently.

Stronger community cooperation and law enforcement efforts are needed to combat this wave of crime and safeguard Chicago’s businesses.

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