Chicago neighborhoods are on high alert following a string of burglaries and armed robberies, as reported by the Chicago Police Department. The affected areas include Albany Park, Fulton River District, Lake View, Lincoln Park, and West Town within the 12th, 17th, and 19th Districts. The recent crimes have been characterized by forcible entries and the use of a handgun, raising concerns among community members and local businesses.
In one of these troubling incidents, an individual, clad in dark attire and a ski mask, emerged from a stolen vehicle and confronted the victim with a black handgun before taking their possessions and fleeing the scene. This incident, and similar others, have prompted the Chicago Police to issue a public safety alert, emphasizing the importance of being vigilant and the procedure to follow in the event of witnessing or falling victim to such crimes. In two cases, small retail businesses were the target, where offenders entered, brandished handguns, and made off with cash registers and goods.
The incidents have been documented with precise dates and locations, with the first occurring on January 3, 2026, and others following suit within just a few hours. The affected blocks span West Chicago Ave., North Ashland Ave., North Lincoln Ave., North Broadway, and North Halsted St., among others…