Armed Robbery, Home Burglary Hit Beverly

BEVERLY, IL — An armed robbery and residential burglary occurred last week in Beverly, according to 19th Ward Alderman Matt O’Shea. One individual was arrested in connection with the burglary, and no one was hurt in either incident. The armed assailant is still at large.

The armed robbery occurred at around 1 p.m. on Wednesday afternoon on the 10200 block of South Bell Avenue in Beverly, according to O’Shea’s report. The two offenders are said to be driving a black SUV. Chicago police quickly responded to a neighbor’s 911 call, and the victim, a landscaping company employee, was not harmed. A police pursuit ensued but was called off “for safety reasons,” O’Shea reported. No additional information about the offenders has been released.

On Tuesday, a residential burglary occurred on the 9000 block of South Hamilton Avenue in Beverly, which was consistent with a community alert issued Sept. 15 by the Chicago Police Department. On Sept. 14-15, police said that a burglar entered three different residences on South Hamilton and South Pleasant avenues through the window at night and stole items. After last week’s robbery on South Hamilton, Chicago police arrested an individual associated with recent burglaries on the next block in response to a 911 call, O’Shea said.

O’Shea said that he has spoken to Superintendent Brown and been in regular contact with Commander Joyce of the 22nd District, who has obtained additional police resources to address a recent uptick in crime. O’Shea encouraged residents to call 911 on suspicious behavior, and said that he will continue to update the community with any more information about the incidents.

“The safety and security of our community is my top priority,” O’Shea said in an email to constituents. “By working together, we can help ensure that the 22nd District has the tools necessary to keep our community safe.”

If you witness a burglary, the Chicago Police Department’s Bureau of Detectives recommends immediately reporting suspicious activity, staying on scene after discovering the crime, keeping the property of your property well-lit, not touching anything to preserve evidence, and turning over any available video surveillance.

To avoid burglaries, detectives recommend keeping your property well-lit, securing all doors and windows, and installing cameras and an alarm system.

Anyone with information on the events is asked to contact the Area Two Bureau of Detectives at 312-747-8273.