The Evanston Police Department will maintain an increased presence in Evanston business districts overnight tonight, as reports of property damage and theft continue in Chicago and its suburbs.
Since Sunday evening, there have been three reports of large groups of individuals breaking into and burglarizing Evanston businesses, including two incidents at Best Buy on Howard Street and one incident at Walgreens on Green Bay Road.
The Evanston Police Department has a total of 12 individuals in custody as a result of the two incidents at Best Buy. Seven offenders from Sunday evening are all currently in the process of being charged. Five offenders were taken into custody after a second incident at Best Buy this afternoon. Six vehicles that were utilized in the commission of these crimes have been towed. None of the 12 subjects currently in custody are Evanston residents.
At this time, there are no further credible threats to Evanston; however, the Evanston Police Department is taking the following actions to maintain public safety and protect residents and businesses:
Increasing presence in downtown Evanston, neighborhood business districts and residential areas
Increasing the number of uniformed officers on patrols
Coordinating with regional law enforcement agencies to share information and provide assistance, if necessary
Providing the public with updates on the Evanston Police Department’s Twitter account (@EvanstonPD), as needed.
Urgent updates will be communicated through the City’s eNewsletter, EvanstonAlerts emergency notification system, social media channels, and website.
All residents and businesses are encouraged to continue to exercise caution and to be aware of their surroundings. If you see suspicious activity or feel unsafe, please call 911.