Chicago police issue alert after 19 cars stolen in West Town, West Loop in October

Chicago police issued a warning after nearly 20 cars were stolen in West Town, the West Loop and the Near West Side since the beginning of October.

The thefts occurred at all hours of the day, from overnight to the middle of the afternoon, starting on Oct. 1. 

Police said in each incident, an empty and locked car was parked on a street when an unknown person broke in and stole the car.

The thefts happened at the following dates and locations:

• 1400 block of West Ohio Street on Oct. 1 at 1:30 a.m.
• 2600 block of West Iowa Street on Oct. 1 at 1:30 a.m.
• 400 block of North Carpenter Street on Oct. 1 at 3 p.m.
• 1300 block of West Fulton Street on Oct. 1 at 8:15 p.m.
• 1200 block of West Carroll Avenue on Oct. 2 at 5 p.m.
• 500 block of North Halsted Street on Oct. 2 at 6 p.m.
• 800 block of North Damen Avenue on Oct. 3 at 10 p.m.
• 300 block of North Ashland Avenue on Oct. 4 at 6:30 p.m.
• 1200 block of West Augusta Boulevard on Oct. 5 at 12 a.m.
• 300 block of North Elizabeth Street on Oct. 5 at 7:15 a.m.
• 700 block of North Noble Street on Oct. 6 at 8 p.m.
• 1100 block of West Carroll Avenue on Oct. 7 at 5:45 p.m. 
• 2500 block of West Iowa Street on Oct. 7 at 11:30 p.m.
• 1700 block of West Pearson Street on Oct. 9 at 4 p.m.
• 1200 block of West Hubbard Street on Oct. 10 at 7:30 p.m. 
• 2900 block of West Augusta Boulevard on Oct. 11 at 11:52 a.m.
• 900 block of North Washtenaw Avenue on Oct. 11 at 1:43 p.m.
• 2500 block of West Augusta Boulevard on Oct. 12 at 11 a.m.
• 1400 block of West Augusta Boulevard on Oct. 13 at 11 p.m.

Police have warned of car break-ins in the area multiple times this fall.

Mandy Williams doesn't own a car,  but since her sister-in-law's car was stolen from outside her West Town apartment less than a year ago, she's been on high alert — keeping a steering wheel lock on hand for anyone who comes to visit.

"No matter what, first thing we do, we go down and we lock the car. We do put the steering block on ... yeah, I literally keep it as an accessory in my home," she said.

CPD advised residents to park in well-lit areas and away from large vehicles, saying the larger cars provide cover for a thief to break in or steal your car. Executive Director of the Fulton Market Association Roger Romanelli says doing so is essential.

Earlier this year, the Fulton Market Association teamed up with CPD to hand out free steering wheel locks. Association leaders say more needs to be done.

"We are sitting on billions of dollars in TIF funds in neighborhoods. Fulton Market and other neighborhoods need more police cameras. We need them immediately," Romanelli said.

As for Mandy's sister-in-law, Sarah, she says she won't leave her steering wheel unlocked in the city again.

"They're doing it to real people, with real families, with real lives. Not everybody is made of money. Not everybody can go out and just replace a car just like nothing, you know, it's sad," she said.

Police weren't able to provide a detailed description of the suspect and no arrests were made as of Monday afternoon. 

Investigation into the car thefts by Area 3 detectives is ongoing.