Wave of ATM Thefts Hits Chicago Businesses: Two More Cash Machines Stolen

CHICAGO, IL — A wave of ATM thefts continues to hit Chicago businesses after two more cash machines were stolen in the early hours of Friday morning, bringing the total number of such incidents to six within a single week. The repeated thefts have left business owners on edge and prompted police to warn merchants about the pattern.

In both Friday incidents, burglators targeted convenience stores and gas stations on the city's South and West sides. The suspects utilized heavy-duty vehicles and tow chains to forcefully wrench the ATMs from their anchors inside the entryways, causing significant structural damage to the buildings. The thieves then loaded the heavy machines into the beds of stolen pick-up trucks before fleeing before law enforcement could arrive.

The Chicago Police Department is investigating the pattern and working to determine if a single organized group is behind the spree. Officials are advising business owners to reinforce their storefronts and ensure ATMs are securely bolted to concrete foundations or located away from front window areas. Anyone with information is asked to contact detectives immediately.