(WBBM NEWSRADIO) – A west suburban police official says the arrest of two alleged thieves this week in Oak Brook is an example of how migrants staying in Chicago are contributing to a rise in crime.
Authorities say two Venezuelan men caught the attention of police officers Tuesday afternoon for “suspicious behavior” as they exited Macy’s at Oak Brook Center. After police pulled over the vehicle the two men were traveling in, officers recovered 16 high-end fragrances and one pair of pants, with a combined value of nearly $3,000, according to a news release issued Wednesday.
An investigation later determined that the pair had entered Macy’s with a concealed bag and backpack, which they then filled with merchandise before leaving without paying, authorities said.
Luis Mendez-Gomez, 28, and Frank Montez-Davila, 23, both of whom are staying in Chicago, were each charged with one count of burglary and retail theft, according to DuPage County prosecutors. Mendez-Gomez also was cited for driving without a valid driver’s license, officials said.
Prosecutors sought to have the men held, pending trial, but a judge disagreed at a hearing Wednesday morning, according to a news release. Officials did not say what pretrial conditions were issued, nor when the defendants were next expected in court.
Oak Brook Deputy Chief of Police Reid Foltyniewicz suggested the case is not an isolated one.
“We are firm in our efforts against organized retail crime as we endlessly protect our community. We want everyone to be aware of the increase in criminal activity from the migrant community coming from Chicago,” he said in a prepared statement.
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