South Side alder troubled by recent string of car-gun burglaries

CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) - A key South Side alderwoman is concerned about a disturbing series of vehicle burglaries in her area.

From late July through last weekend, Area Three detectives reported about 15 vehicle break-ins along mostly Michigan and Wabash Avenues. In every case but one, an unsecured firearm was taken.

Third Ward Alderwoman Pat Dowell says the crimes happened in the late evening and the area has a lot of popular venues, including clubs, restaurants and Wintrust Arena. Guns are not allowed inside.

“What potentially be going on is events at Wintrust or other entertainment venues where you have to go through a metal detector,” Dowell says.

She thinks people who do have weapons may be going back to their cars to leave the guns there, and thieves are watching.

“It seems like it’s a pattern, a very organized crime going on,” says Dowell.

Police are investigating and warning motorists to park in brightly lit areas, lock the car doors and invest in a vehicle gun safe.

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