Thieves posing as charity workers steal from diners at restaurants, coffee shops in major city

Police are warning restaurant and coffee shop customers in Chicago to watch their belongings following eight reported thefts in which individuals posing as charity fundraisers stole valuables from unsuspecting diners.

The thefts occurred between Oct. 7 and Oct. 18 in the Loop, West Loop and Near South Side neighborhoods, according to a Chicago Police Department business alert issued Oct. 21.

Police said the individuals approached diners and placed flyers or newspapers over their wallets, purses or cellphones while engaging them in conversation. They then allegedly slipped the belongings underneath the paper and walked away with the stolen property.

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Police are warning customers at restaurants and coffee shops in Chicago to keep an eye on their belongings. (FOX 32 Chicago)

In several instances, victims' bank or credit cards were used shortly afterward at nearby department stores, according to police.

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Surveillance video obtained by FOX 32 Chicago shows employees at Meli Café chase a man out of the business during an incident on Oct. 7.

Police say the thieves are posing as charity fundraisers and distracting customers, taking purses, wallets and cellphones. (iStock)

An employee told FOX 32 Chicago he saw his co-worker attempting to kick someone out and then heard a lady yell, "He has my phone."

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The employee said he confronted the individual and restrained him until the woman said she found her phone. Once he let the man go, he said, another woman screamed, "No, he has my phone, too."

An employee at Meli Café tells FOX 32 Chicago how he intervened to stop a suspected thief in the act. (FOX 32 Chicago)

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Police described the individuals involved in several of the thefts as wearing dark clothing and face coverings. Police also listed a late-model white Buick and a black Mazda sedan in connection with the incidents.

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Diners in the area have been urged to secure their valuables and avoid leaving wallets, phones or keys unattended on restaurant tables or counters.

Peter Burke is a lifestyle editor with Fox News Digital. He covers various lifestyle topics, with an emphasis on food and drink.