Chicago business targeted twice in smash-and-grab spree

CHICAGO – A smash-and-grab spree continued across Chicago’s North Side with one business being struck early Sunday morning for the second time this month.

Sunday was a long day for Johan Balaguera.

His day started with a call from police and the doors of his restaurant Pan Y Pizza Pa’Ya shattered.

“You see like a bunch of stuff on the floor and it’s shattering to get that wake up call, especially that early and see your business torn down,” Balaguera said.

What’s even more frustrating is this is the second time this month Balaguera’s restaurant has been targeted.

Back on Sept. 9, an eerily similar situation happened. A group of suspects showed up during the night and made their way inside, making off with Balaguera’s hard-earned money. He stepped up his restaurant’s security after that hit, but he’s out of pocket again.

“Not just me, my whole staff, even my family. We take pride for what we do, and it’s hard to go through this,” Balaguera said.

Balaguera is, unfortunately, by no means alone.

Between Sunday and Wednesday of last week, 19 businesses in the same area were all victims of smash-and-grab crimes, 11 within the 19th police district, five in the 17th, and three in the 16th.

WGN News told you about three of them just this past Wednesday, w hich included Mima’s Taste of Cuba on Irving Park Road, their third time being targeted .

“There’s a bunch of crews running around the city of Chicago just doing this, almost like a job,” Mima’s Taste of Cuba owner Billy Alvarez said.

For Balaguera, there wasn’t quite as much taken this time around, but he’s had to buy yet another new door. He’s left wondering if and when he’ll be replacing it again.

“It really hurts to work so hard, and just like that to be gone,” he said.

The latest data from CPD shows crime is actually down across the city by 10%. Burglary, specifically, is down as well in two of the police districts mentioned above. It’s also down by five and six percent in the 17th and 16th districts, respectively.

However, in the 19th police district right next door, burglary is up by almost one-third compared to last year.

In Balaguera’s specific case, police said the suspects involved were driving a white sedan.

Anyone with additional information may leave an anonymous tip at cpdtip.com .

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