Eight motor vehicle thefts of opportunity in Wicker Park

Car thieves appear to be targeting unattended vehicles where the motor is running or the keys are inside. 

The unknown offenders have taken eight cars in Wicker Park between Dec. 28, 2020, and Jan. 14, 2021. 

The locations were:

• 1900 block of W. North Ave., Dec. 28, 6:20 p.m.
• 2100 block of W. Division St., Dec. 29, 3:20 p.m.
• 1900 block of west Division St., Dec. 29, 4:15 p.m.
• 1200 block of N. Milwaukee Ave., Dec. 29, 4:30 p.m.
• 1700 block of N. Damen Ave., Dec. 30, 5:15 p.m.
• 1300 block of N. Paulina St., Dec.31, 12:20 p.m.
• 1500 block of N. Damen Ave., Jan. 6, 8:30 a.m.
• 1600 block of W. Division St., Jan. 14, 6:20 p.m. 

What can you do?

• Never leave a vehicle running while unattended.
• Never leave the vehicle keys in an unattended vehicle.
• Be aware of this crime and alert your neighbors.
• Pay special attention to any suspicious subjects loitering in the area.
• Ensure that existing surveillance cameras are functional.
• Call 911 immediately and provide a detailed description of the offender(s) including any vehicle description and license plate information.

If you have any information about these incidents, please contact the Area Five Detectives at 312.746.7394. 

The case numbers are: JD-471935, JD-472690, JD-472881, JD-473026, JD-473867, JD-474470, JE-104753 and JE-112874.