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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.
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.