Suspect sought in North Side condo burglaries

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Chicago police are looking for a suspect in a series of North Side burglaries who has been caught on surveillance video.

At least six buildings have been burglarized in the Lincoln Park and Lakeview neighborhoods, including a building in the 600-block of West Wrightwood where 15 residents had property damaged or stolen.

Chicago police say in April the suspect got into the building's garage and went from car to car, smashing windows to grab items and, at one point, using a shopping cart to move his loot.

Eleni, a resident in the building who did not want her last name used, says her car was among those burglarized.

"They stole the garage remote, the jumper cables, I had some cash in the ashtray, emergency money, and they did this to at least a dozen cars in the garage," Eleni says.

"It's something you're always conscious of, leaving things in the car, and we always makes ure we lock the car doors," says Joey Nowak, "but definitely now, after hearing about it, you're going to be a little more conscious of it."

"Going into the cars he's taking electronic items, in some of the lobby areas he's taken bicycles, mail packages, basically anything that's available," says Chicago police Sgt. Brendan McCrudden.

Chicago police issued a community alert with images of the suspect taken from surveillance videos. Police say they believe he is also responsible for two more burglaries at buildings on North Sheridan.

Police hope those who can identify the suspect will come forward. They also hope North Side residents will take care until the burglar is caught.

"If you're coming into a lobby, don't prop the door open, don't leave it open for somebody else. Lock the doors so someone can't just have that easy access where they pull the door handle and get inside," says Sgt. McCrudden.