A man with a long history of criminal activity has been accused of carrying out a series of shoplifting raids at a Target store in Lincoln Park, totaling more than $1,200 in stolen merchandise. Kenneth Smith, 58, of Westchester, is facing charges of operating a continuing financial crime enterprise after being linked to ten thefts at the Target located at 555 West Webster Avenue.
The crime spree began on August 30, while Smith was already on probation for a previous shoplifting case. In a span of twelve days, Smith allegedly conducted ten rapid-fire thefts, all of which were captured on video surveillance. The thefts were carried out with precision, with each raid lasting only a few minutes and resulting in a significant haul of goods.
The stolen items included comforters, sheets, body wash, t-shirts, bedding, hygiene products, and more. Smith’s actions met the criteria for a Class 1 felony charge of operating a continuing financial crime enterprise, as he allegedly committed at least three thefts within a short period of time with the intention of reselling the stolen goods.
Smith’s criminal record is extensive, with 51 separate cases filed against him in Cook County since 1988. He has been convicted of multiple felonies, including drug dealing, burglary, possessing a stolen vehicle, and repeated incidents of shoplifting. In 2019, he escaped from electronic monitoring, and in 2024, he was sentenced to four years in prison for shoplifting.
During a court hearing, Judge Ankur Srivastava ordered Smith to be detained for violating probation. The severity of Smith’s criminal history and the brazen nature of the recent thefts raise concerns about his potential for reoffending. It is clear that Smith has a long history of criminal behavior and has shown a pattern of disregarding the law.
This case serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing repeat offenders and holding them accountable for their actions. The swift and organized nature of the thefts at the Target store highlights the need for heightened security measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. Authorities are working diligently to ensure that justice is served in this case and to protect businesses and communities from further criminal activity.
