29 Mar 16 Blue Line Pick Pockets – 1st District (P16-1-029CA)
Bureau of Detectives – Area Central
Community Alert
Theft/Pocket Picking
001st District (Central)
About the Crime:
This alert gives notice to the citizens of Chicago, particularly those who use the CTA trains in the 001st District, of Theft/Pocket Picking incidents that have been reported on the Blue Line trains proceeding southbound towards the Downtown Area from O’Hare Airport. In general, the offenders in these crimes usually work in groups of two or three to steal items from unsuspecting victims. After the offenders observe a prospective victim, one will typically create a distraction allowing another offender to bump into the victim and steal the victim’s personal property. One such incident occurred at approx. 8 pm on March 23rd, 2016. After a Blue line
train stopped at Washington Street, one offender exited the train in front of a 59 year old male victim and then acted as if his foot had gotten stuck between the train doors and the platform. Believing the offender to be in need of assistance, the victim attempted to help him, at which point another offender bumped into the victim, taking
his wallet which contained various IDs and credit cards. The victim later discovered that his stolen credit cards had been used to purchase fare cards at a CTA Ventra Machine. The above pictured individuals are being sought in connection to this crime.
About the Offenders:
Two or Three black males, 45-55 years of age, various heights and weights. One of the offenders usually conceals their identity by wearing a surgical mask over their face. The offenders usually carry a clothing/garment bag to conceal the pick from other citizens and from the victim as the pick occurred.
What you can do:
• Always be aware of your surroundings
• Report suspicious activity immediately
• If you are confronted by an assailant remain calm
• Remember any unique physical characteristics (scars, limp, acne, teeth, etc…)
• Never pursue a fleeing assailant, provide the information to the police
• If video surveillance equipment is present, please save a copy of the incident for
investigating detectives
• If approached by a witness to the incident, request contact information
• Dial 9-1-1 immediately and remain on scene when possible
If you have any information
Contact the Bureau of Detectives – Area Central
(312) 747-8382
HZ198914
Reference: P16-1-029CA
