Two Venezuelan migrants residing in Chicago were apprehended on Friday after allegedly stealing merchandise from a suburban Macy's store in Oak Brook, Illinois. The store has become a target of retail theft by migrants during this holiday season, according to authorities.

Edys Alberto Herrera-Gotopo, 20, and Johan Gavidia-Rojas, 18, entered the store together carrying empty bags, the DuPage County State's Attorney's Office reported. Prosecutors state that the two men worked in tandem, with one person collecting clothing items and placing them into a bag, while the other acted as a lookout. They would then switch roles.

When the suspects left the store without making any payments, Oak Brook police intercepted them. Herrera-Gotopo was taken into custody without incident, while Gavidia-Rojas tried to flee and led officers on a brief foot chase before being apprehended. The stolen goods, worth $665, were found in their possession.

Both Herrera-Gotopo and Gavidia-Rojas, residents of Chicago originally from Venezuela, were charged with one count of retail theft, a felony. Despite the state's request to detain them pre-trial, a judge released them on the condition that they are prohibited from entering the Macy's store in Oak Brook.

The Oak Brook Macy's has been suffering from a surge in retail theft incidents, prompting authorities to issue warnings to locals and retailers to remain vigilant during the busy holiday shopping season. In a press statement, DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin emphasized that law enforcement is prepared to take action against any shoplifters and that theft from retail establishments will result in arrest, charges, and prosecution.

Last month, Oak Brook Deputy Chief of Police Reid Foltyniewicz brought attention to an increase in criminal activity by Venezuelan migrants from Chicago. Several retail thefts involving Venezuelan migrants have been reported at the Oak Brook Macy's store and a nearby Kohl's store in Elmhurst in recent weeks. This incident adds to the growing concern over migrant-related crimes in the area.

Since August 2022, an estimated 20,000 migrants have migrated to Chicago, placing a strain on the city's resources and infrastructure. The challenge of providing housing for these individuals during the winter months remains a pressing issue, as local residents express concerns over potential costs and neighborhood safety risks.

As the holiday shopping season continues, authorities urge both retailers and the community to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to help combat retail theft incidents.