In a string of ongoing incidents, Macy's in Oak Brook, Illinois continues to be a prime target for retail theft during the holiday season. On Friday, two Venezuelan migrants residing in Chicago were arrested after allegedly stealing hundreds of dollars worth of merchandise from the store. Edys Alberto Herrera-Gotopo, 20, and Johan Gavidia-Rojas, 18, entered the Oak Brook Macy's together, both carrying empty bags, according to the DuPage County State's Attorney's Office.

Prosecutors revealed that the two men worked in tandem, with one acting as a lookout while the other grabbed clothing items and stuffed them into a bag. After the roles were switched, the suspects left the store without making any payment. However, Oak Brook police intercepted them before they could make a clean getaway. While Herrera-Gotopo was taken into custody without incident, Gavidia-Rojas tried to evade officers by engaging in a brief foot chase before being apprehended.

Upon searching the suspects, authorities discovered the stolen items amounting to $665. "The quick apprehension of the defendants in this case sends the message that law enforcement in DuPage County is ready for any would-be shoplifters, and if you steal from any of our retail establishments, you will be arrested, charged, and prosecuted," stated DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin. Herrera-Gotopo and Gavidia-Rojas, both hailing from Venezuela, were charged with one count of retail theft, a felony.

Despite the charges, the judge denied the state's motion to detain them pre-trial, and the men were subsequently released. However, a condition was imposed that strictly prohibited them from entering the Macy's store in Oak Brook. It is worth noting that this particular Macy's has been a repeated target for retail theft, with local authorities previously cautioning both residents and retailers to remain vigilant during the busy holiday shopping season.

This incident adds to the growing concern surrounding migrant criminal activity, especially from Venezuelan migrants, in the Oak Brook area. Oak Brook Deputy Chief of Police Reid Foltyniewicz previously warned citizens about an increase in retail thefts involving Venezuelan migrants from Chicago. Over the past few weeks, at least nine Venezuelan migrants have been arrested in separate retail theft incidents at the Oak Brook Macy's and a nearby Kohl's store in Elmhurst.

The situation is further complicated by the influx of approximately 20,000 migrants into Chicago since August 2022. As the city grapples with finding suitable housing for them during the winter, local residents express their worries regarding the potential cost and risks to neighborhood safety.

In another alarming event at the Oak Brook Macy's, a couple from Chicago allegedly involved their own children in a theft operation that netted nearly $1,000 worth of merchandise. Angelo Almaraz, 26, and Thalia Morales, 32, visited the children's section of the store with their four young children, ranging in ages from an infant to 13 years old.

According to the DuPage County State's Attorney's Office, the couple allegedly utilized their two eldest children to pick items from the racks. These stolen items were then handed over to Almaraz and Morales, who concealed them in Nordstrom Rack bags they had brought with them. The shocking aspect of this incident is the involvement of children in criminal activity, with the allegations being deemed "extremely disturbing" by State's Attorney Robert Berlin.

Upon leaving the store, the group was spotted by a loss prevention officer, prompting them to flee in a car. However, an Oak Brook police officer swiftly responded to the scene and pulled over the suspect's vehicle as they attempted to turn onto Route 83. Inside the bag, authorities discovered stolen merchandise valued at $962, leading to the couple's arrest.

Oak Brook Deputy Chief of Police Reid Foltyniewicz expressed dismay at the situation, stating, "In this case, it is heartbreaking to have adults force young children into criminal activity." Almaraz and Morales were each charged with one count of burglary and retail theft. Similar to the previous case, the judge denied the prosecution's motion to detain them pre-trial, resulting in their release.

The series of incidents at Macy's in Oak Brook, Illinois highlights the pressing issue of retail theft during the holiday season. Authorities are actively working to combat this problem, emphasizing that anyone attempting to steal from retail establishments will face arrest, charges, and prosecution. As the city of Chicago struggles to accommodate the influx of migrants, concerns regarding the associated criminal activity and its impact on neighborhood safety continue to be raised.