Chicago's Uptown and Jefferson Park neighborhoods were rocked by a series of burglaries targeting smoke shops early Thursday morning. In Uptown, a smash-and-grab incident occurred just after 2:00 a.m. in the 4500 block of North Sheridan Road. WGN-TV reports that the thieves broke the front glass door of a retail shop and made off with an ATM, believed to be loaded onto a red vehicle that fled the scene.
Similarly, in Jefferson Park, a side glass window was shattered at a business in the 4800 block of West Foster Avenue just before 3:00 a.m. Police reported that an undetermined number of merchandise was stolen. Video footage captured by Urban City Smoke Shop documented the aftermath of the burglary, as noted by CBS News Chicago. Yet, no arrests have been made in relation to these incidents, and Area Five detectives are currently investigating.
Adding to the night's unlawful activities, "Smoke Town" smoke shop on 6143 W. Touhy Ave. was also hit. The co-owner of the shop disclosed to CBS News Chicago a feeling of violated safety, lamenting the lack of insurance coverage at the time of the crime but expressing a resolve to "determined to rebuild and continue serving our community."
As businesses in Chicago grapple with the ramifications of these crimes, authorities have yet to confirm if the burglaries are linked. No arrests have been made, and the investigation remains open. The Chicago Police Department is urging anyone with information about the incident in Uptown or the other burglaries to come forward. Tips can be shared anonymously at CPDtip.com or by contacting CPD Area Three Detectives at 312-744-8263.
