Cynthia Dibuglione’s resale shop in Lincoln Park, Cynthia’s Consignments, has offered high-end clothing and accessories to shoppers for 30 years. WGN featured Cynthia, her store, and her merchandise on a televised report Sunday.
Monday, a shoplifting mob raided Cynthia’s Consignments, 2218 North Clybourn, and stole everything from a designer handbag display that WGN featured prominently in its report. Estimated loss? $50,000.
The 10-man shoplifting mob raided Dibuglione’s store at 1:10 p.m. and escaped with 20 designer handbags, according to a CPD report. According to information from the scene, a store worker buzzed one person into the business, but the other nine rushed in once the door opened.
They were last seen heading south on Clybourn in at least two cars.
A source said the thieves, Black males who wore black hoodies, gloves, and surgical masks, previously tried to hit a store at Northbrook Mall, but the shop’s canine security officers scared them away.
Monday’s raid may continue to cost Dibuglione money for years if, as is typical, the store’s insurance premiums skyrocket in the wake of the crime.
Her name-brand merchandise was the star of WGN’s report. In retrospect, the seemingly priceless publicity piece may have drawn the wrong crowd.
“It’s all about the labels at Cynthia’s Consignments,” said reporter Marcella Raymond during her introduction.
Dibuglione rattled off a list of luxury brands she offers: “The top end. Chanel, Hermès, Gucci, Prada.”
Sadly, at least two people who posted comments after watching the now-removed video on WGN’s YouTube page had a feeling the report might have unintended consequences.
“Better get security now…They’re on the way,” wrote Omar Avalos.
“Now they’ve guaranteed they’ll get looted,” said Pete and Drake.
Area Three detectives are investigating the crime.