Chicago police are warning drivers who use downtown garages about a series of auto break-ins that have been reported in Loop parking structures. The alert came days after CWBChicago reported that burglars smashed their way into 21 vehicles parked in two downtown garages Wednesday.
Area Three detectives say in a newly-issued community alert that burglars have gotten away with firearms and other property by breaking into cars or accessing unlocked vehicles.
The alert mentions break-ins at eight different parking structures:
- in the 200 block of West Adams on the night of September 20-21
- in the 700 block of South Wabash on September 25
- in the 300 block of East Wacker on October 6
- in the 100 block of North Wells on the night of October 7-8
- in the 100 block of East 11th on October 11
- in the 100 block of East Randolph on the night of October 15-16
- in the 200 block of South Wells on the night of October 15-16
- in the 100 block of West Monroe between October 31 and November 3
But the bulletin does not mention Wednesday’s 21-car spree. Those crimes were reported at garages on the 200 block of West Washington and the 200 block of North Wells around 3:10 a.m.
Three men wearing dark hoodies broke into 14 cars at the Washington location and seven more at the Wells facility, said CPD spokesperson Karie James. The men broke windows on all of the vehicles to gain access to the interiors, she said.
Police did not release descriptions of the burglars.
Detectives say drivers should park in well-lit areas and away from larger vehicles that might provide privacy for thieves to break into your car. Weapons should be kept in a gun safe in the trunk, not in plain sight, they said.
Anyone with information about the crimes can contact Area Three detectives at 312-744-8263 about crime pattern P20-3-201A.