Businesses throughout the city should be prepared for the potential for criminal activity and property damage:
First, every business owner should sign up for the CHIBIZ Emergency Alert system by texting “CHIBIZ” to 6-7-2-8-3 or by visiting chicago.gov/chibizalerts. Through this program, business owners will receive targeted emergency alerts specifically for the business community.
Secondly, consider closing your business early, covering windows to prevent damage and removing items of value. Consult with your local Chicago Police Department District for specific recommendations for your community.
Third, familiarize yourself with your insurance policy to ensure that you have the proper coverage and to understand the steps that you would need to take in the event that your property is damaged.
Fourth, businesses should call 9-1-1 in the case of emergency to assist Police in directing resources effectively and quickly to targeted areas. If you have hired security personnel, please make sure that they are cooperating with CPD and are not taking matters into their own hands that may jeopardize their own safety as well as that of others.
Businesses that had their property damaged last night should take the following steps:
Notify your insurance company AND your broker/agent about the facts of your claim
Collect documentation (e.g. photos, inventory documentation, security footage)
Prevent further damage by boarding/covering windows and removing items of value
Familiarize yourself with your insurance policy
In response to last night’s events, BACP will be conducting an enforcement mission targeting secondhand retailers and cell phone stores to ensure that they are not selling stolen items. As a reminder, all establishments that sell secondhand items must be licensed by BACP as a Secondhand Dealer. Furthermore, each transaction must be recorded, with additional descriptive information required for jewelry, cell phones and other valuable items. These rules help prevent the sale of stolen merchandise and BACP will be holding all secondhand retailers accountable to these regulations.
Please stay tuned as this is an evolving situation. Visit chicago.gov for the latest City updates and transitchicago.com for service updates from the CTA. The Mayor’s Office is providing up-to-date information on their social media accounts: Twitter @chicagosmayor; Facebook @chicagomayorsoffice; and Instagram @chicagosmayor.