Five businesses on Chicago’s Near South Side have been burglarized, police say

CHICAGO (CBS) — Chicago police are warning businesses after a series of burglaries on the Near South Side.

The burglaries took place early Friday morning at the city’s Central Station.

In each incident, the burglar entered the business through a front door, ransacked the business and took property from inside.

Incident times and locations:

• 1400 block of South Michigan Avenue from noon to 6 a.m
• 1400 block of South Wabash Avenue from noon to 6 a.m.
• 1300 block of South Wabash Avenue at 4:57 AM
• 1200 block of South Michigan Avenue at 6 am
• 1500 block of South Wabash Avenue at 6:57 AM

The burglar was described as an African-American male wearing a black winter coat, black jeans, white/gray sneakers and black gloves.

The police advise companies:

• Make sure the perimeter of your home is well lit.
• Be aware of this crime and notify nearby businesses.
• Report suspicious activity immediately.
• Keep doors and windows secured.
• Repair broken windows, doors or locks immediately.
• If video surveillance is available, save the incident and make a copy of it for investigating detectives.
• If you are a victim, do not touch anything; call the police immediately.
• If you are contacted by a witness to the incident, please ask for contact information.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Area 3 detectives at 312-744-8263 or submit an anonymous tip at CPDTIP.com.