The quick thinking of Marcus employees likely prevented a theft Tuesday afternoon.
At 1:37 p.m., a group of five individuals wearing masks attempted to enter Marcus at 101 S. Washington St. but were barred at the door.
Store employees did an exceptional job noticing a vehicle back up near the front of the store and five individuals get out, mask up and line up to enter the store, Hinsdale Police Chief Brian King said,
“I applaud their initiative and that they were immediately able to call the police,” he added.
Early descriptions indicate the male suspects were African-American with heavy face coverings and traveling in a white Ford Edge. The vehicle was also used in an attempted retail theft a short time later in north suburban Deerfield.
“We were able to deter the theft in Deerfield by putting out a bulletin with the vehicle associated with it,” King said.
The group then headed to the Gold Coast and committed a grab-and-dash theft at Tom Ford on Oak Street, engaging Chicago police in pursuit through the 18th District, King said.
“My understanding is that pursuit was terminated due to speed,” he added.
Two individuals stole several pieces of high-end merchandise from Marcus Oct. 21, The Hinsdalean reported. One of those individuals is in DuPage County Jail awaiting trial, King said. The other might have been part of this week’s crew.
“We think one of the individuals yesterday may be associated with that prior theft,” King said Wednesday.
Police are providing additional patrols in the business district. Anyone who observes a suspicious person or vehicle is urged to call 911.
If the suspects are caught, they will face felony charges and will be arrested and detained. The DuPage County state’s attorney takes retail theft seriously, King said.
“That might be unusual in Cook County,” he said. “It is not unusual in DuPage.”
