Chicago businesses targeted in days-long string of smash-and-grab burglaries

CHICAGO — Authorities are offering a warning to business owners around the city following a nearly week-long string of smash-and-grab burglaries.

According to Chicago police, 10 different smash-and-grab burglaries unfolded in the early morning hours between Sunday, Aug. 31, and Thursday, Sept. 6.

During each incident, officers say a group of four people either smashed the front glass windows or pried open the doors of businesses before stealing safes, cash register drawers, electronics, clothing and money from inside.

On Saturday, Chicago police issued an alert warning business owners about the incidents and providing details about the string of burglaries.

Chicago police provided the following list of dates and locations where smash-and-grab burglaries reportedly occurred:

• 200 block of West Lake Street, in the Loop, on Sunday, Aug. 31, at midnight.
• 2000 block of North Lincoln Avenue, in Lincoln Park, on Sunday, Sept. 1, between 2 a.m. and 7:30 a.m.
• 1600 block of West Chicago Avenue, in West Town, between 6:45 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 3, and 6:47 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 4.
• 1700 block of West Chicago Avenue, in West Town, on Wednesday, Sept. 4, at 3:20 a.m.
• 1700 block of West Chicago Avenue, in West Town, on Wednesday, Sept. 4, at 4:13 a.m.
• 100 block of West Hubbard Street, in River North, on Wednesday, Sept. 4, at 3:48 a.m.
• 1900 block of West Chicago Avenue, in West Town, on Wednesday, Sept. 4, at 4:19 a.m.
• 2000 block of North Halsted Street, in Lincoln Park, on Thursday, Sept. 5, at 2:59 a.m.
• 2000 block of North Orchard Street, in Lincoln Park, on Thursday, Sept. 5, at 3:12 a.m.
• 3000 block of North Southport Avenue, in Lakeview, on Thursday, Sept. 5, at 3:22 a.m.

Authorities said a search is now underway for the four individuals who are believed to have been responsible.

Officers said they believe the group of four consisted of 2 males and 2 females, who were spotted wearing black hooded sweatshirts, black ski masks, black pants and a dark olive green colored beanie.

During the burglaries, police said the group is believed to have used a dark Jeep Cherokee and a gray Audi SUV.

How can business owners avoid falling victim?

Chicago police say there are several steps business owners can take to avoid falling victim to a smash-and-grab burglary.

Business owners should start by notifying neighboring businesses about the recent string of crimes.

Police advise businesses to keep the perimeter of their property well-lit and ensure surveillance cameras are functional and recording. Police say businesses should keep doors and windows secured and advise owners to quickly repair any broken windows, doors or locks.

Business owners are advised to pay special attention to suspicious individuals or vehicles loitering in the area before closing hours.

Officers advise businesses ensure any existing surveillance cameras are functional and recording, and if video of the burglary is available, businesses should make a copy of it for authorities.

Business owners are also advised to remove cash from registers and secure electronics in a safe that is bolted to the ground.

Those who fall victim to a robbery are advised to call 911 immediately to provide officers with a detailed description of the individual responsible and any vehicle description or license plate information.

Anyone with information on the robberies is asked to contact CPD Area Three detectives at 312-744-8263 or dial 911.

Those with information that could help detectives in their investigation can also leave a tip at CPDtip.com . Tips can be filed anonymously.

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