Fake Construction Workers Steal $6K Worth Of Copper From New Wrigley Field Hotel

Two unusual business burglaries have been reported in Lakeview...and North Side detectives have just issued a burglary alert for retail and restaurant businesses. Here's the latest:

Rendering of the soon-to-open Hotel Zachary at Wrigley Field | Hotel Zachary

On Wednesday, construction workers at the new Hotel Zachary across from Wrigley Field reported that two men posing as construction workers had stolen at least $6,000 worth of copper pipes and fittings from the work site. Police said the offenders arrived in a pick-up truck dressed as laborers. But rather than doing work, they took off with pricey piping that has a scrap value of about $2.35 per pound.

In late January, an unknown offender broke into the McKillip Animal Hospital, 2867 North Clark, to steal cash and animal narcotics. Police said the suspect came prepared for the job: He had plastic bags ready to cover the hospital’s security cameras.

Alert Issued

Detectives on Friday issued a community alert after determining that three recent business burglaries in the 19th (Town Hall) District may be related.

Police said an unknown offender is breaking glass windows or doors to gain entry after businesses close. Once inside, they help themselves to property, the alert said.

The three connected cases happened on January 21 or 22 in the 2700 block of North Clybourn; around 6:30 a.m. on January 27 in the 1800 block of West Wilson; and on February 6 or 7 in the 1400 block of West Irving Park.

Police described the suspect only as “male.”

The alert suggests that people pay particular attention to suspicious people who seem to be loitering and recommended that businesses have a well-maintained surveillance system.

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