Chicago Police are intensifying their search for a group of men linked to a series of burglaries targeting businesses on the Northwest Side, per reports by the Chicago Sun-Times. The burglaries, which occurred over the span of an hour on Jan. 23, saw the assailants break into eight businesses, with the criminals forcibly entering through shattered windows or glass doors to steal cash register drawers.
The incidents, concentrated in the 7000 block of West Higgins Road, the 7200 block of West Harlem Avenue, and the 5400 block of West Devon Avenue, involved three to four males donning masks, gloves, and dark clothing. They were reported to have quickly fled in a silver Kia Optima. Chicago Police are actively urging anyone with information to immediately contact detectives at (312) 746-7394.
Further details emerged when Chicago Police released surveillance footage showcasing the burglaries. According to a CBS Chicago report, the video footage captured the group breaking into several businesses, including Trendy Nails Salon, Mug's Pizza and Ribs, Chopstick Express Chinese Restaurant, and River Spa Massage, all situated within the same strip mall on Harlem Avenue. The sequence of break-ins continued at Roberto's Jewelers, Trio's Pizza, Elite Total Rehab, Lazic Deli, and another unnamed business in the Forest Glen neighborhood.
Each incident saw the assailants - a group of five men - enter the premises and then proceed to quickly leave the area in a silver sedan. This modus operandi aligns with descriptions from another burglary that took place at Sweet Café, near Nagle Avenue. However, police have yet to confirm a definite connection between this event and the earlier burglaries. Individuals with knowledge of the Jan. 23 burglaries are encouraged to reach out to Grand Central Area detectives by calling the same number or to submit an anonymous tip at CPDTIP.com using reference #P25-5-00.
