The Aporia
The Aporia
Burke, P. (2026, October 23). Thieves posing as charity workers steal from diners at restaurants, coffee shops in major city. Fox News. https://www.foxnews.com/food-drink/thieves-posing-charity-workers-steal-from-diners-restaurants-coffee-shops-major-city
Burke, Peter. “Thieves posing as charity workers steal from diners at restaurants, coffee shops in major city.” Fox News, 23 Oct. 2026, https://www.foxnews.com/food-drink/thieves-posing-charity-workers-steal-from-diners-restaurants-coffee-shops-major-city.
Burke, Peter. “Thieves posing as charity workers steal from diners at restaurants, coffee shops in major city.” Fox News, October 23, 2026. https://www.foxnews.com/food-drink/thieves-posing-charity-workers-steal-from-diners-restaurants-coffee-shops-major-city.
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Chicago Police Department is warning restaurant and coffee shop customers about a string of thefts by individuals posing as charity workers. Between October 7 and October 18, eight incidents occurred in the Loop, West Loop, and Near South Side neighborhoods where thieves placed flyers or newspapers over victims' belongings while engaging them in conversation. They then stole wallets, purses, and cellphones, with some victims’ bank or credit cards used shortly after at nearby stores.
Surveillance video from Meli Café on October 7 shows an employee chasing a suspect who was apprehended by another employee when a victim realized her phone had been stolen. This incident highlights the need for diners to be cautious and aware of their surroundings while enjoying meals out in Chicago.
