Upgrade of 'zero-dollar shopping': Chicago freight train looted by over 100 people in flash robbery

In recent years, the US has seen a rise in so-called "zero-dollar shopping", where large groups commit flash robberies. In the latest incident, a freight train in Chicago was looted by swarms of thieves, who stole valuable items including televisions and air fryers.

The mob even used trucks to transport the stolen goods. The looting continued for about an hour before police arrived, eventually arresting six individuals, although many had already fled the scene.

According to reports, a news helicopter captured footage of the looting as it happened. The train had stopped on the West Side of Chicago, in the South Austin neighborhood, on Friday afternoon. Witnesses reported seeing a group of people breaking into the train cars and taking away items, such as household electronics, into nearby vehicles, leaving behind many discarded boxes.

Police responded nearly an hour after the looting began, with officers drawing their weapons to disperse the crowd. In total, six people were arrested, and some stolen goods were recovered. However, local media estimates suggest that between dozens and 150 individuals participated in the robbery, with many escaping before law enforcement arrived.

A spokesperson of the railroad company emphasized that such rail burglaries are not victimless crimes, they pose significant safety risks to the public, railroad employees, and law enforcement officers.

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