Chicago police are warning business owners about a burglary crew believed to be behind at least 18 smash-and-grab thefts targeting ATMs in neighborhoods across the city since early June. The latest bulletin is in addition to a similar warning involving just two burglaries that CPD released last week.
According to a community alert issued Friday, the offenders typically arrive in a stolen or rented SUV during the overnight hours. Using a heavy object or a prying tool, they break windows or force doors open to gain entry. Once inside, police say they either pry the ATM open to reach the cash inside or remove the entire machine, load it into the vehicle, and drive off.
Investigators believe the same crew has struck in neighborhoods from the Near North Side to Austin and Jefferson Park, sometimes hitting multiple businesses in a single night.
The incidents have been reported on the following dates and locations:
- June 2, 3:36 a.m. – 3900 block of West Ogden Street
- June 6, 2:12 a.m. – 5600 block of West Roosevelt Street
- June 6, 3:05 a.m. – 5100 block of West Grand Street
- July 7, 4:04 a.m. – 5800 block of West Roosevelt Street
- July 7, 3:18 a.m. – 5300 block of West Division Street
- July 7, 10:00 a.m. – 3600 block of West 16th Street
- July 20, 5:13 a.m. – 1600 block of West North Avenue
- July 21, 2:40 a.m. – 800 block of North Orleans Street
- July 21, 4:28 a.m. – 300 block of West Chicago Avenue
- July 22, 5:00 a.m. – 5400 block of West Madison Avenue
- July 31, 2:21 a.m. – 4300 block of West Cermak Road
- July 31, 3:21 a.m. – 3200 block of North Cicero Avenue
- August 1, 3:21 a.m. – 5600 block of West Madison Street
- August 2, 11:50 p.m. – 5900 block of West Division Street
- August 5, 3:35 a.m. – 1800 block of South Ashland Avenue
- August 5, 4:19 a.m. – First block of South Pulaski Road
- August 6, 3:52 a.m. – 1300 block of West Taylor Street
- August 8, 2:08 a.m. – 5300 block of West Madison Street
Police describe the offenders as two to five Black men wearing black masks, dark clothing, dark sneakers, and dark gloves.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Area Four detectives at 312-746-8253 or submit an anonymous tip at CPDTIP.com, referencing case #25-CWP-022D.
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