Auto thieves have been having a field day in the West Loop this month, thanks to car owners who leave vehicles running and unattended. That’s according to a new community alert from Chicago police. At least 13 cases are tied to the crime pattern, which began on August 31 and has continued into this week.
Detectives said all of the stolen cars were taken after victims left their keys in the unattended vehicles. A similar crime pattern in the Lakeview neighborhood this year involved thieves who targeted vehicles that were left running by food delivery drivers and restaurant patrons who ran inside to pick up carry-out.
The West Loop thefts were reported in the:
- 200 block of North Halsted on August 31, 9:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
- first block of South Sangamon on September 3, 9:00 a.m.
- 800 block of West Randolph on September 3, 6:00 p.m.
- first block of North Racine on September 4, 6:00 p.m.
- 1300 block of West Madison on September 9, 3:00 p.m.
- first block of South Throop on September 10, 7:00 p.m.
- 100 block of North Sangamon on September 10, 8:30 p.m.
- 200 block of North Halsted on September 10-11, 10:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m.
- 1200 block of West Madison on September 17, 7:30 p.m.
- 300 block of South Green on September 19, 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
- 700 block of West Adams on September 23, 11:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
- 300 block of North Green on September 23, 10:00 p.m.
- 1200 block of West Monroe on September 24, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
- 200 block of North May on September 24, 6:30 p.m.
Police did not release any descriptions of the thieves. But, they did urge car owners to turn off their vehicles and take their keys with them when they get out of the car.
Anyone with information about the crimes can call Area Three detectives at 312-744-8263 regarding pattern P20-3-177.
