Chicago: Police Warns of Uptick in Migrant Criminal Activity After Macy's Robbery

Two Chicago migrants from Venezuela face charges for allegedly stealing merchandise valued at nearly $3,000 from a suburban Macy's store, prompting authorities to issue a warning about a rise in criminal activity associated with migrants from the city, according to FOX News.

Luis Mendez-Gomez, 28, and Frank Montez-Davila, 23, exited the Macy's store in Oak Brook, Illinois, at approximately 1:40 PM, carrying a "happy birthday" bag and a backpack containing merchandise, according to the DuPage County State's Attorney's Office.

Observing their "suspicious behavior," Oak Brook police officers on patrol saw the two men enter a vehicle that subsequently left the scene.

Following a traffic stop, officers discovered 16 high-end fragrances and a pair of pants, with a total approximate value of $2,832.50.

Chicago Migrants Are Facing Several Charges

Prosecutors allege that Mendez-Gomez and Montes-Davila entered the Macy's store together, with Mendez-Gomez concealing the "happy birthday" bag and backpack under his shirt, Yahoo! News noted.

The pair filled these bags with fragrances and pants before exiting the store without making a purchase.

Both individuals are charged with one count of burglary and one count of retail theft. Additionally, Mendez-Gomez received a citation for misdemeanor driving without a valid driver's license.

During their initial court appearance, the judge permitted their release after rejecting the prosecutor's motion to deny pre-trial release.

In response to the incident, Oak Brook Deputy Chief of Police Reid Foltyniewicz emphasized their dedication to combating organized retail crime and issued a statement, saying, "We want everyone to be aware of the increase in criminal activity from the migrant community coming from Chicago."

Same Store Has Been Robbed by Chicago Migrants a Week Ago

This incident follows another theft at the same Oak Brook Macy's store, where two Chicago migrants, also from Venezuela, Abel Barrios-Estava and Rafael Mata-Torres, were charged with stealing over $1,700 worth of merchandise just a week prior.

They faced similar charges of burglary and retail theft, per FOX 32.

The theft occurred around 5:27 PM, and one of the suspects, identified as Barrios-Estava, allegedly entered the store, took six items of clothing with a value exceeding $300, and left without making a payment.

While being apprehended by loss prevention authorities, Barrios-Estava attempted to flee but was later detained by officers.

The second suspect, Mateo-Torres, also entered Macy's, took 13 items of clothing, and tried to exit without paying. He was apprehended inside the store without incident.

Retail theft has substantial financial implications for businesses, employees, and communities.

The National Retail Federation estimated that retail theft cost businesses more than $112 billion in the previous year, causing financial hardship, increased prices for consumers, and a loss of tax revenue.

The next court date for the Chicago migrants is scheduled for November 20. As a condition of their bond, they will be fitted with electronic monitoring devices and are prohibited from entering any Macy's store.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: Venezuelan migrants accused of stealing nearly $3K in merchandise from Oak Brook Macy's - From WGN News