Two Evanston businesses had valuable power tools stolen from their work vans and trucks on Monday, Aug. 31, in what police called part of a broader Chicago-area crime pattern.

The Evanston Police Department (EPD) said it received two burglary reports that day. Surveillance footage showed several individuals working together during the break-ins, and some appeared to be carrying firearms, the department said in an advisory published by the Evanston RoundTable. The advisory was submitted directly by EPD.

No one was injured.

The department did not name the businesses targeted, the neighborhoods where the burglaries occurred, or the types of tools taken. No suspect descriptions or vehicle descriptions from the surveillance footage were released. No arrests have been announced, and the department did not identify a spokesperson for the advisory.

EPD described the incidents as a local example of an emerging trend across the Chicago area involving coordinated theft of power tools. The department did not cite specific cases in other municipalities or name law-enforcement partners working the pattern, so the scope of the trend beyond Evanston remains unclear.

Security steps police recommend

In response, the department issued a list of measures for businesses and residents:

• Lock all doors and windows on buildings and vehicles.
• Install bright, motion-activated lighting near doors and parking areas.
• Add high-definition surveillance cameras with motion alerts near entrances, vehicles and inside businesses after hours.
• Install cameras inside vehicles with motion alerts.
• Keep valuable equipment out of plain view.
• Engrave identifying information on tools and other valuable equipment.
• Maintain detailed records of equipment including make, model, serial number and photographs.

If you see a break-in

Police urged anyone who witnesses a burglary not to approach or confront the suspects, Patch reported. Instead, call 911 and provide a description of the individuals involved, any vehicles and the last known direction of travel.

Anyone with information about the Aug. 31 incidents can contact the Evanston Police Department's non-emergency line at 847-866-5000. Tips can also be submitted by texting CRIMES to 275637, beginning the message with EPDTIP.