Chicago police have recently issued a warning about a series of 15 vehicle thefts that have occurred in the Near South Side neighborhood. These thefts have been particularly concerning due to the consistent pattern of stolen firearms in all but one of the incidents. The majority of the thefts took place on South Michigan Avenue and South Wabash Avenue, which seems to be the focal area for these crimes.
The thefts began on July 21 and continued until September 14, with most occurring between 10:30 p.m. and 3 a.m. This timeframe suggests that the criminals are operating during late-night hours when vehicles are less likely to be monitored. The method of entry varied, with thieves either finding unlocked cars or breaking windows to access the contents.
Chicago Police Warn of Near South Side Vehicle Thefts Involving Stolen Firearms Amid Rising Crime Wave
At this time, police have not identified any suspects or provided detailed descriptions of the perpetrators. The lack of leads underscores the need for increased vigilance and preventive measures by local residents.
In response to the alert, the police have advised residents to take several precautions. They recommend parking in well-lit areas, avoiding parking near large vehicles that can provide cover for thieves, and ensuring that vehicles are always locked. Additionally, they suggest investing in vehicle-specific gun safes to protect firearms from being stolen.
