Thieves Target ATMs at Northwest Side Chicago Businesses

Police issue alert about a pattern of ATM thefts and an armed robbery in December and January.

Feb. 1, 2026 at 12:23pm

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Chicago police have issued an alert about a series of ATM thefts and an armed robbery that have occurred on the city's Northwest Side in recent months. In each incident, the burglars have arrived in a possible late-model blue Acura SUV, entered the businesses, and targeted the ATMs for theft, sometimes while the businesses were open and sometimes when they were closed. In one case, the thieves were armed with handguns.

Why it matters

These ATM thefts and the armed robbery represent a concerning pattern of criminal activity targeting local businesses on Chicago's Northwest Side. The incidents raise questions about security measures and the vulnerability of ATMs, as well as the potential impact on the affected businesses and the broader community.

The details

According to the police alert, the thieves have targeted both open and closed businesses, stealing either the entire ATM or just the cash inside. In one incident, the suspects were armed with handguns. The thefts occurred at multiple locations on the Northwest Side between December and January.

  • The thefts happened in December and January 2026.

The players

Chicago Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that issued the alert about the ATM thefts and armed robbery.

Unidentified Suspects

The group of 18-to-45-year-old men who are suspected of carrying out the ATM thefts and armed robbery, described as wearing black hooded sweatshirts, black sweatpants, and black ski masks.

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What’s next

The Chicago Police Department is asking anyone with information about the incidents to contact the Grand Central Area detectives or submit an anonymous tip through the CPDTIP.com website.

The takeaway

These ATM thefts and the armed robbery highlight the need for businesses on Chicago's Northwest Side to review their security measures and work closely with local law enforcement to protect against similar criminal activity in the future.