Shoplifting teams raided at least three Ulta Beauty stores in the city on Monday and Tuesday, according to CPD reports. And one of the crews brought along knives to threaten staff members.
And while groups of three, four, five, and even more people seem to steal loads of high-end purses from downtown’s priciest stores without repercussions, a woman who allegedly stole three luxe handbags from an Oak Street shop in a solo heist this week wasn’t so lucky. She’s facing felony charges.
Ulta Beauty thefts
Ulta’s stores were targeted Monday in the South Loop and Tuesday in Lincoln Park and Archer Heights.
Around 2:30 Monday afternoon, three men hauled away loads of fragrances from the store at 1107 South Delano Court. An initial estimate pegged the loss at about $10,000. They escaped in a car that had been stolen from the South Loop.
Police located the car in Woodlawn just in time to see three men run from it and enter a house. Officers recovered the vehicle, which had Ulta merchandise inside, a CPD report said.
No arrests were made as of Wednesday, according to a CPD spokesperson.
A different group is believed to be responsible for Tuesday’s thefts, which CPD publicized in a community alert.
Police said a man and two women stole bags of merchandise from the Ulta store at 4140 South Pulaski around 10:07 p.m. One of them displayed a knife, which was left behind, according to a police report.
The same group hit the Ulta at 2754 North Clybourn around 4:31 p.m., police said. This time, the male offender displayed a knife to keep employees away, another CPD report said. A witness said the group escaped in a small blue car.
Police released three suspect descriptions:
- Male, Hispanic, tattoos above the left eyebrow, black leather jacket, gray hoodie, black shoes
- Female, Black, gray hoodie, black shoes
- Female, Black, green puffy coat
Witnesses at both of Tuesday’s incidents reportedly said the man was bald.
Anyone with information about Tuesday’s incidents can contact Area Three detectives at 312-744-8263 regarding crime pattern #P22-CWP-006.
One and done
A woman who has no criminal history is charged with felony retail theft for allegedly stealing purses worth $4,647 from an Oak Street boutique Monday.
Prosecutors said Viviana Delarosa, 49, walked out with three handbags from Tory Burch, 45 East Oak, around 11:15 a.m. The store called police, and an officer stopped Delarosa near the corner of Oak and Michigan moments later. Store security cameras recorded the alleged theft.
Judge Susana Ortiz released Delarosa on a recognizance bond after noting her lack of criminal background.
Facts first. 100% reader-funded. Click here to support CWBChicago today.