Thief Targeting Cellphones at Upscale Chicago Restaurants

Police issue alert after two incidents of thieves swiping phones from patrons' tables

Feb. 1, 2026 at 11:55am

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Chicago police have issued an alert about two recent incidents of thieves stealing cellphones from restaurant patrons in fashionable areas of the city. In both cases, the thief approached victims, dropped something on the floor to distract them, and then took the victim's phone that was sitting on the table.

Why it matters

These types of thefts can be a growing concern in popular dining districts, as thieves target distracted patrons. The incidents highlight the need for restaurant-goers to be vigilant about securing their personal belongings, especially in crowded public settings.

The details

According to police, the thief would walk into a restaurant, approach someone with their cellphone on the table, drop something on the floor to distract the victim, place a bag over the phone, and then take both the bag and the phone. In one case, the thief also stole the victim's credit cards stored in the phone case and tried to use them at a department store.

  • The first theft happened at 7:20 p.m. on Thursday, January 15, in the 200 block of North Green Street in the Fulton Market District.
  • The second theft happened between 2:15 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 29, in the 100 block of West Illinois Street in River North.

The players

Chicago Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that issued the alert about the thefts and is investigating the incidents.

Thief

An unidentified individual who has been targeting restaurant patrons in fashionable Chicago districts, stealing their cellphones by using a distraction technique.

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What they’re saying

“Anyone with information should call Belmont Area detectives at 312-744-8263 or submit an anonymous tip at CPDTIP.com and use reference # P26-3-003.”

— Chicago Police Department (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

Police are continuing to investigate the incidents and urge the public to come forward with any information that could help identify the thief.

The takeaway

These thefts serve as a reminder for restaurant-goers to be vigilant about securing their personal belongings, especially in crowded public settings. Diners should keep a close eye on their phones and other valuables to prevent becoming victims of this type of crime.