Chicago police are investigating a string of burglaries at the homes of business owners and professionals on the North Side that cost the victims tens of thousands of dollars. Prowlers forced their way into each home and left most of the residences completely ransacked. CPD has not yet tied all of the crimes to the same thieves.
On Friday afternoon, a Lincoln Park business owner found the back door of her home kicked in on the 2100 block of North Clifton. Burglars had rummaged through the entire house.
At least three other major residential burglaries were reported during the previous week.
On Wednesday evening, the owner of a professional firm lost an estimated $30,000 to a burglar who broke into her home on the 1400 block of West Howard in Rogers Park. The thief got away with cash, jewelry, and laptops, according to a CPD report.
Last Saturday, February 12, the owner of a Lincoln Square business reported nearly $40,000 of property and cash missing from his home on the 5100 block of North Talman in West Ridge, another police report said.
Once again, burglars completely ransacked the victim’s multi-level home, escaping with jewelry and cash.
Last Friday, February 11, a Lakeview family reported a burglary at their home on the 3000 block of North Kenmore. Burglars thoroughly tossed the house. The family, which includes a doctor, spoke with CBS2 about the break-in. They provided the station with surveillance video of three men that they believe are responsible for the burglary.
Break-ins rising as COVID fades
Burglary reports fell sharply in Chicago after many people began working from home during the COVID pandemic. But break-ins are on the rise this year as people return to work, school, and vacation activities.
Through February 13, burglary cases in the city are up 28% compared to the same time last year. The number of reports remains lower than at this point in 2020, 2019, and 2018, which were not affected by the pandemic.