Frankfort police warn of charity-themed theft scheme in Chicago area

Police in Frankfort, Illinois, have issued a warning regarding a theft scheme targeting businesses in the Chicago area. An unknown man, described as a Black male in his late teens or early 20s, has been using a fraudulent charity fundraiser flyer to distract employees.

According to the Frankfort Police Department, the suspect solicits donations for mentoring programs and gang prevention efforts. While employees are distracted by the solicitation, the individual allegedly steals cash from registers and personal items, such as purses, from staff. Investigators believe this same method has been used at various other businesses throughout the Chicago region. Authorities advise business owners to keep cash registers attended and personal belongings secured.