Chicago thieves pose as charity workers to steal from diners

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 24 Oct, 08:32 · Archive

Police warn of eight thefts in Chicago where individuals posing as charity fundraisers distracted diners and stole wallets, purses and phones.

Police in Chicago are warning restaurant and coffee shop customers to watch their belongings following eight reported thefts in which individuals posing as charity fundraisers stole valuables from diners. The thefts occurred between 7 and 18 October in the Loop, West Loop and Near South Side neighbourhoods, according to a Chicago Police Department business alert issued on 21 October.

Police said the individuals approached diners and placed flyers or newspapers over their wallets, purses or cellphones while engaging them in conversation. They then allegedly slipped the belongings underneath the paper and walked away with the stolen property. In several instances, victims' bank or credit cards were used shortly afterwards at nearby department stores.

Surveillance video from Meli Café on 7 October shows employees chasing a man out of the business during an incident. An employee said he confronted the individual and restrained him after a customer yelled that her phone had been stolen. Once he let the man go, another woman screamed that her phone had also been taken.

Police described the individuals involved as wearing dark clothing and face coverings. A late-model white Buick and a black Mazda sedan have been listed in connection with the incidents. Diners have been urged to secure their valuables and avoid leaving items unattended on tables or counters.

How it is being reported

• Chicago thieves posing as charity workers steal from diners at restaurants and coffee shopsVictims' bank or credit cards were used shortly afterward at nearby department stores, according to police.New York Post · 24 Oct, 08:22
• Thieves posing as charity workers steal from diners at restaurants, coffee shops in major cityPolice warn of eight restaurant thefts where individuals placed flyers or newspapers over diners' valuables, then walked away with wallets, purses and cellphones.Fox News · 23 Oct, 20:33

In this story: Chicago · Chicago Police Department · Loop · West Loop · Near South Side · Meli Café

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