CHICAGO (WLS) -- Chicago police confirm there have been nine separate shoplifting cases recently, involving teams of criminals with anywhere between two and seven suspects working together to swipe merchandise.
The shoplifting cases have occurred in Lincoln Park, the Magnificent Mile, Loop and South Loop between Nov. 6 and Nov. 10. In three of the cases, employees have been injured.
Chicago police haven't indicated the nine cases are connected. However, there is concern from city and business leaders that shoplifters are no longer worried about being prosecuted.
"People can steal with impunity because they know they are not going to be arrested or prosecuted," said Michael Edwards, CEO and president of the Chicago Loop Alliance. "And that has been a big problem for us."
