Chicago police have issued a public safety warning following a series of daytime thefts targeting patrons at restaurants and coffee shops across the city’s downtown commercial districts. Investigators have linked at least eight thefts reported during October across the Loop, West Loop, and Near South Side.
According to police, the perpetrators typically approach individuals who are seated inside eateries or cafes while posing as charity fundraisers. The suspects then place a flyer, clipboard, or newspaper directly over the victim’s personal belongings, such as wallets, purses, or cellphones. While engaging the diner in conversation to distract them, the individuals slide the underlying items beneath the paper before quietly walking away from the table.
Surveillance footage from one of the affected businesses, Meli Café, illustrates the brazen nature of the encounters. A video shared by employees shows a person wearing a dark jacket walking briskly out of the establishment as a group of restaurant workers pursues him toward the exit.
In multiple instances, investigators noted that victims’ stolen debit and credit cards were used fraudulently at nearby department stores shortly after the thefts occurred.
The string of reported incidents spans several downtown locations throughout October. Two separate thefts occurred on October 7 in the 500 block of South Dearborn Street. Additional incidents were recorded on October 12 in the 2000 block of South Clark Street, and two separate thefts took place on October 14 in the 700 block of South Dearborn Street and the 200 block of South Wacker Drive, respectively. Subsequent thefts were reported on October 16 in the 0-100 block of South Canal Street, on October 17 in the 200 block of South Wabash Avenue, and on October 18 in the 1300 block of South Michigan Avenue.
Authorities have released general descriptions of the suspects involved in the pattern. Investigators describe them as Black men between the ages of 17 and 25, typically wearing dark clothing and face coverings. Police have also identified two specific vehicles observed in the majority of the incidents: a late-model white Buick and a black Mazda sedan.
In response to the pattern, law enforcement has urged both restaurant owners and customers to take preventative security measures. Officials recommend keeping wallets, phones, bags, and keys out of immediate reach while dining, remaining vigilant of suspicious individuals or vehicles loitering nearby, and ensuring that establishment security cameras are operational. Diners are also encouraged to consider using Bluetooth tracking devices or personal trackers for bags and valuables.
Police advise anyone who encounters suspicious activity or becomes a victim of a crime to call 911 immediately and provide detailed descriptions of suspects and vehicles. Anyone with information regarding the incidents is asked to contact Area Three detectives at 312-744-8263 or submit an anonymous tip online at CPDTIP.com referencing case number 26-3-041.
