Masked Burglars Target Small Businesses in Little Italy and Loop
A team of masked burglars targeted two small businesses in Little Italy and the Loop this week, focusing on mobile ATMs in both instances, as reported in a community alert from the Chicago police department.
Chicago police have connected these two break-ins to a third similar incident in suburban Evergreen Park, all of which involved four burglars traveling in a stolen Kia SUV.
The first break-in occurred around 3:52 a.m. on Tuesday in the 1300 block of West Taylor Street. The burglars shattered a store window, entered the business, and stole several items, including a mobile ATM and a cash register.
The second incident took place around 5:27 a.m. on Wednesday in the 200 block of West Van Buren Street. The burglars broke a front window, rummaged through the shop, and attempted to steal the mobile ATM, but were unsuccessful in removing it before fleeing the scene.
In both cases, the suspects were seen escaping in a white 2018 Kia Sorrento SUV, which had been reported stolen prior to the burglaries. The group was described as four young Black men, believed to be between 16 and 20 years old, wearing black hoodies, dark jeans, and black ski masks.
Evergreen Park police are also investigating a similar break-in involving the same vehicle and suspects, according to CPD.
Business owners are urged by Chicago police to take precautionary measures, such as keeping exterior areas well-lit, securing doors and windows, and preserving any video footage of suspicious activities. Detectives can be contacted at 312-744-8263 or online at CPDTIP.com, referencing case number P25-3-035.
