Thieves targeting stores downtown, in South Loop: police

Five thefts were reported last month from shops on Canal and Randolph streets.

Police are warning clothing stores in the Loop and South Loop about a series of retail thefts that occurred in May.

In each incident, two or three males between 16 and 22 years old entered a store and grabbed purses and fanny packs that were on display, before fleeing past security guards and store clerks, Chicago police said.

Three of the thefts happened in the late morning and early afternoon hours between May 12 and May 14 in the 1100 block of South Canal Street, police said. The other two occurred at 1:23 p.m. and 8:35 p.m. May 31 in the first block of East Randolph Street.

One of the three offenders wore bright purple gym shoes, police said.

Anyone with information about the thefts is asked to call Area Central detectives at 312-747-8384.