Chicago Police Department
‘Smash and grab’ burglars hit businesses
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Dozens victimized this summer
By Tim Hadac
A “smash and grab” burglary crew has been hitting businesses across the Southwest Side, prompting police to issue a community alert.
The crew typically strikes in the early hours of the morning, smashing windows and quickly grabbing valuables within easy reach.
Chicago Police Department
Crime scenes this month (and approximate times) include:
- 5100 block of South Pulaski at 10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 12.
- 5100 block of South Pulaski at 3 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 13.
- 7600 block of South Cicero at 4 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 13.
- 5100 block of South Pulaski at 5 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 13.
- 5300 block of South Pulaski at 7:40 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 13.
- 8500 block of South Pulaski at 4 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 13.
The crew is described as three to five black men ages 18-35, about 5-foot-9 to 6-foot-1, wearing black hoodies, blue sweatpants, red gym shoes, white gym shoes, and a black sweatshirt with the letter “R” imprinted.
Last month, the crew burglarized:
- 3600 block of South Archer at 4 a.m. Saturday, July 8.
- 4000 block of South Western at 5 a.m. Saturday, July 8.
- 2700 block of West 59th Street at 5:30 a.m. Saturday, July 8.
- 5800 block of South Western at 5 a.m. Saturday, July 8.
- 1700 block of West 35th Street at 2:15 a.m. Sunday, July 9.
- 4000 block of West 55th Street at 2:30 a.m. Sunday, July 9.
- 7500 block of South Cicero at 9:15 a.m. Sunday, July 9.
- 8600 block of South Kedzie at 10 a.m. Sunday, July 9.
- 3200 block of West 87th Street at 3 a.m. Monday, July 10.
In addition to the Southwest Side, the crew has struck businesses in Bridgeport and Chinatown.
The crime spree appears to have started in June. Crime scenes include:
- 4200 block of West 55th Street at 5:50 a.m. Friday, June 9.
- 4700 block of West 63rd Street at 5:15 a.m. Thursday, June 15.
- 5200 block of South Archer at 4:30 a.m. Saturday, June 17.
- 7100 block of West Archer at 5 a.m. Saturday, June 17.
- 4300 block of West 51st Street at 4:20 a.m. Saturday, June 17.
- 7000 block of South Pulaski at 4:30 a.m. Saturday, June 17.
- 7000 block of South Pulaski at 2:30 a.m. Saturday, June 17.
- 6800 block of South Pulaski at 4 a.m. Sunday, June 18.
- 5000 block of South Archer at 3:15 a.m. Monday, June 26.
- 4400 block of South Archer at 4 a.m. Monday, June 26.
- 5700 block of South Archer at 4:20 a.m. Monday, June 26.
Those with useful information to share about any of the crimes are asked to call CPD Area 1 detectives at (312) 747-8384 and refer to crime pattern P23-1-108E.
In the wake of the crimes, business owners and managers are advised:
- Keep the perimeter of your property well lit.
- Report suspicious activity immediately.
- Keep doors and windows secured.
- Immediately repair any broken windows, doors or locks.
- If video surveillance is available, save and make a copy of the incident for investigating detectives.
- If you are a victim, do not touch anything. Call police immediately.
- If approached by a witness to the incident, request contact information.
- Secure window air conditioner units.
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