Police Warn Of High-End Purse Thefts In River North

By Kirsten Onsgard in News on Aug 1, 2016 8:14PM

Police are warning of an uptick in high-end retail thefts in the River North area in July, according to an alert sent Monday.

The alert warns of groups of two to four people who have been entering into retail shops during the afternoon hours, taking purses from the shelves and fleeing from the shops. The incidents have occurred in the 18th District on Grand Avenue and Oak Street, an area dense with upscale shops.

Four incidents have occurred, according to police, located around the Magnificent Mile:

• 0-100 Block of E. Grand Avenue on June 27, during the early afternoon hours
• 100 Block of E. Oak Street on June 30, during the afternoon hours
• 100 Block of E. Oak Street on July 20, during the late afternoon hours
• 0-100 Block of E. Grand Avenue on July 31, during the afternoon hours

The offenders differ by incident, but are described as both male and female, African-American, of average weight and height and between the ages of 20 to 25 years old.

Police suggest retailers maintain a well-lit facility with secure doors and windows. In the event of a robbery, they urge retailers to immediately call police and to make a copy of security footage.