In a recent string of retail thefts, five Venezuelan migrants have been apprehended in the Chicago suburbs. These incidents have raised concerns about a potential surge in criminal activity linked to the migrant community.
The most recent incident occurred on Saturday afternoon at a Macy's store in Oak Brook. Lenguieyer Guevara-Muro, 27, and Jinder Moises Angulo-Aparicio, 20, allegedly concealed over $770 worth of clothing in a foil-lined bag and exited the store without paying.
Upon confronting Guevara-Muro, loss prevention officers and an Oak Brook police officer encountered resistance. He was eventually apprehended and taken into custody. Angulo-Aparicio was also detained without incident.
Separately, on Friday, three Venezuelan migrants – Ilys Mary Ledesma Zapata, 37, Christian Johan Saavedra-Omona, 21, and Braud Pineda Avendano, 33 – were arrested after stealing over $500 worth of merchandise from a Kohl's store in Elmhurst. Police suspect that Ledesma Zapata used a large magnet to bypass anti-theft devices.
DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin expressed concern about the repeated incidents involving Venezuelan migrants. "For the second day in a row, my office has filed charges against individuals from Venezuela accused of stealing merchandise from a retail store," he stated.
All five migrants face charges of burglary and retail theft. Only Guevara-Muro remains in pre-trial detention, while the remaining four defendants were released on bond.
Earlier this month, Oak Brook Deputy Chief of Police Reid Foltyniewicz cautioned residents about a spike in criminal activity linked to retail thefts involving Venezuelan migrants. "We want everyone to be aware of the increase in criminal activity from the migrant community coming from Chicago," he warned.
These incidents underscore the need for enhanced vigilance and collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the community to address potential security concerns associated with retail thefts.
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