A Crew of Burglars Strikes Multiple Businesses in Chicago
A group of burglars has been targeting businesses across Chicago’s North Side and Southwest Side since early January, using sledgehammers and crowbars to break into stores and steal cash registers, ATMs, and merchandise. The spree has now reached at least 11 establishments, according to Chicago police.
The criminal activity began on January 12 when four individuals armed with crowbars forcibly entered Z Food Mart in Lakeview. They then proceeded to target Big Apple Finer Foods and Serai Cafe and Deli, both located on North Clark Street. Following these incidents, the burglars struck two more stores on the Southwest Side, taking cash and registers from each location.
The crew continued their thefts the next morning, hitting businesses in different blocks across the city. After a brief hiatus, the burglars resumed their criminal activities on January 15, breaking into a store on North Sheridan Road.
Most recently, the group struck three more businesses on Saturday morning. Wearing black ski masks, hooded sweatshirts, and pants, between four to seven offenders used sledgehammers or crowbars to gain entry into establishments on West Ohio Street, West Fullerton Avenue, and North Broadway.
Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact Area 1 Detectives, Area 3 Detectives, or Area 5 Detectives. Anonymous tips can also be submitted at CPDTIP.com using the reference number 26-CWP-003B.
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