Rash of car break-ins in South Loop parking garages prompt warning from Chicago police

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Chicago police issued a community alert Tuesday about a rash of car break-ins in parking garages in the city's South Loop neighborhood.

At least 20 break-ins have been reported since late December in the 500, 600, 800 and 900 blocks of South Wells Street, CPD said.

"It's a pretty major issue out here and I feel like we need to do more," said Victor Epie, who lives in area.

Jacquilla Hester works in this area and she's already on edge as her KIA was stolen earlier in the year in another part of the city.

"I don't leave valuable things in my car, definitley not money. My work window is right here so I'm constantly on alert and I've upgraded my alarm system so it's still a very, very deep concern," Hester said.

People who live and work in these areas said a lot of these car thefts are happening in open lots with little security.

In each of these incidents, the suspects are breaking the driver- or passenger-side windows with an unknown object before taking items from inside the vehicles.

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According to Chicago police data, this district has had about 13 more incidents in 2023 compared to this time last year.

Drivers are worried and hoping the city can do more.

"More patrolling around the garages and more public places," Hester said.

"It's a pretty good neighborhood you know and I feel like we need more security," Epie added.

Police remind people to park in well-lit areas away from larger vehicles that may offer privacy for a thief to break in.

CPD did not immediately provide any information about possible suspects.

Anyone with information on the incidents is asked to call the Area 3 Detective Division at (312) 744-8263.

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