Rising ATM Thefts in Chicago Highlighted by Second Incident Within 24 Hours

CHICAGO — A troubling spike in commercial burglaries targeting automated teller machines (ATMs) has put local businesses and law enforcement on high alert, following a second major ATM theft within a 24-hour window.

The recent string of crimes showcases a persistent pattern of thieves targeting retail stores, gas stations, and small businesses to haul away entire cash machines. In the latest incident, suspects used forced entry to gain access to a commercial property, quickly securing the ATM and loading it into a waiting vehicle before police could arrive on the scene. This method matches closely with another theft that occurred just hours prior, suggesting a coordinated effort by organized crews.

Business owners in affected neighborhoods are expressing growing anxiety over the financial and structural damage caused by these break-ins. The physical destruction of storefronts and security gates often costs more to repair than the cash stolen from the machines. Law enforcement agencies are advising business operators to enhance their security protocols, which includes anchoring ATMs securely to concrete floors, installing GPS tracking devices inside the machines, and upgrading exterior surveillance cameras. Chicago Police are reviewing security footage from both locations to determine if the same crew is responsible for both incidents.