Hammond Man Charged After Series of Burglaries, Attempted Auto Thefts In Hammond
Zain Ul Abdin Syed Ali, a 20-year-old Hammond man, is facing multiple felony and misdemeanor charges after police say he was involved in a series of burglaries, attempted burglaries, attempted auto thefts, thefts from vehicles, and criminal mischief incidents that occurred on December 27, 2025, at multiple businesses and locations along Kennedy Avenue in Hammond.
According to a probable cause affidavit, Hammond police were dispatched at approximately 10:20 a.m. to Cruz Landscaping in the 6300 block of Kennedy Avenue after a report of a suspicious person. Officers reported encountering Ali, who they said was uncooperative and provided false identifying information, including a false name and stating that he did not have a birthday. Ali was taken into custody.
Police reported recovering a vehicle key, an amp, lottery tickets, and a City of Hammond employee identification card during a search. An inventory search of Ali’s belongings allegedly revealed multiple vehicle titles, a license plate, vehicle registrations, jump-start equipment, and other paperwork connected to several vehicles and businesses in the area.
Investigators allege Ali entered the Cruz Landscaping building through an open garage bay door and took keys from inside the business. Police reported the recovered key operated a gray 2008 Volkswagen Jetta that had sustained steering-column damage consistent with an attempted auto theft.
Officers further alleged Ali attempted to break into Some Auto Sales in the 6500 block of Kennedy Avenue, damaging a business door and stealing vehicle titles from the mailbox. Police also reported Ali entered and attempted to steal a white 2018 Ford Transit van parked near the American Legion Post, damaging the vehicle’s steering column.
Additional investigation connected Ali to thefts from multiple vehicles parked behind businesses and along nearby streets, including a silver 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan parked behind R and S Auto Body, a 2019 Chevrolet passenger van belonging to Northgate Church, and a 2007 Chevrolet Suburban. Police reported stolen registrations, identification cards, and paperwork from these vehicles were later found in Ali’s possession.
During a recorded interview with detectives on December 28, 2025, after being advised of his rights, Ali agreed to speak and admitted entering Cruz Landscaping through an open garage bay door, taking keys, and attempting to steal the Volkswagen Jetta. Ali stated the vehicle would not start and that he planned to jump-start it using equipment found in his possession. He also admitted entering the Ford Transit van, damaging its steering column, attempting to force entry into Some Auto Sales, stealing vehicle titles from the business mailbox, and entering multiple vehicles in the area while looking for money. Ali acknowledged he did not have permission to enter any of the businesses or vehicles involved.
Lodged in the Lake County Jail on January 3,2026:
Charges filed December 30,2025:
• Burglary – Level 5 Felony
• Burglary (Attempt to Commit) – Level 5 Felony
• Auto Theft (Attempt to Commit) – Level 6 Felony
• Auto Theft (Attempt to Commit) – Level 6 Felony
• Auto Theft (Attempt to Commit) – Level 6 Felony
• Theft – Class A Misdemeanor
• Theft – Class A Misdemeanor
• Theft – Class A Misdemeanor
• Theft – Class A Misdemeanor
• Theft – Class A Misdemeanor
• Criminal Mischief (Damage Between $750 and $50,000) – Class A Misdemeanor
• Criminal Mischief – Class B Misdemeanor
