Chicago Police Warn of Increased ATM Thefts in the City

CHICAGO — Authorities in Chicago are sounding the alarm on a rise in burglaries targeting unsecured ATMs at businesses across the city. While a recent police alert highlighted two specific incidents, the problem is more widespread, with reports coming in from various neighborhoods.

The most recent incident captured on video occurred at Whale Fish & Chicken, located at 3600 West Chicago Avenue, on August 31 at 6:10 a.m. The footage shows a group of individuals attempting to steal the ATM, but their efforts were thwarted due to the machine being properly secured.

A similar incident took place in the 4800 block of West Chicago Avenue on September 22, where the same group tried and failed to steal another ATM.

The suspects, described as up to seven men aged between 20 and 25, operate with two members acting as lookouts while the others attempt to remove the cash machine. They are often seen wearing dark hoodies, face masks, and gloves.

While the police alert only mentioned two incidents, law enforcement officials have dealt with numerous other cases not included in the report. Just last week, a South Loop business was targeted, and on the same day, two stolen ATMs were found abandoned on a South Side street. Over the weekend, another stolen ATM was discovered inside a deserted vehicle.

In response to the escalating thefts, the Lincoln (20th) District has shared a list of tips on Twitter to help ATM owners prevent such crimes. Some of the suggestions include educating employees on validating ATM service personnel, establishing protocols for reporting suspicious behavior, and regularly checking machines for compromised components.

Additional tips include ensuring that security cameras and devices are operational, installing GPS tracking devices in both the cash and the ATM, and keeping the machine away from exits to deter theft attempts.

One crucial piece of advice not explicitly mentioned is the importance of securely bolting the ATM to the floor or wall to prevent it from being dislodged easily.

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