Police are warning about a scammer who is stealing phones from restaurant patrons in Lakeview East and nearby Lincoln Park.
The offender strikes up conversations with diners who have a phone on their table. He’ll casually place a menu over the phone, then casually take the device away with the menu and leave the restaurant.
Cops have connected at least three cases to the man: on the 2500 block of North Clark at 7:10 p.m. June 20th; and on July 20th in the 2900 block of North Sheffield at 3:45 p.m. and the 3100 block of North Broadway at 4:30 p.m.
A witness described the Sheffield offender as a black man who wore white Adidas-brand pants with brown Timberland boots. He was last seen heading north on Sheffield after the theft.
Police typically issue alerts when they believe an individual is responsible for a series of crimes. The CPD alert encourages people to keep their property secured and out of sight.
Anyone with information about the thefts may contact Area North detectives at 312-744-8263 regarding pattern #P19-N-194.
