Group of armed suspects steal ATMs from Avondale, Belmont Gardens businesses

February 2, 2026 - 04:01

Chicago police have issued a community alert following a series of coordinated and forceful ATM thefts targeting businesses on the city's Northwest Side. The incidents occurred in the Avondale and Belmont Gardens neighborhoods, where groups of armed suspects executed daring overnight robberies.

According to authorities, the perpetrators forcibly entered commercial establishments with the explicit intent of stealing automated teller machines. The suspects were reportedly armed, heightening the severity of the crimes. While specific details regarding the number of individuals involved or the exact methods used are part of the ongoing investigation, the pattern has prompted significant police concern.

The alert serves to notify local business owners and residents of the criminal activity. Police are urging community members to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behavior immediately. Investigators are currently gathering evidence, including surveillance footage from the affected areas, in an effort to identify and apprehend those responsible. The incidents have disrupted business operations and raised safety alarms in the involved commercial corridors.