Thieves used two vehicles to plow into a South Side liquor store and rip cash from an ATM before sunrise Monday, leaving the storefront mangled but, fortunately, no one hurt. The break-in happened around 5:21 a.m. in the 8900 block of South Commercial Avenue, police said, and detectives have opened an investigation into the smash-and-grab.
Police and investigation
According to ABC7 Chicago, officers said a suspect went inside after the vehicles hit the front of the building, pulled cash from the ATM and took off. Area Two detectives were assigned to the case, and investigators asked neighbors and nearby businesses to share any surveillance video or tips that might help track down those responsible.
Store, scene and video
CBS Chicago identified the business as Commercial Stop & Shop Food & Liquor at 8900 S. Commercial Ave and reported video from the scene showing twisted burglar bars and crime-scene tape wrapped around the shattered entrance. The outlet noted that no injuries were reported and that detectives were on site combing through the wreckage for evidence.
A wave of similar hits
Local outlets have been chronicling a run of early-morning "crash-and-grab" ATM thefts across Chicago this spring, with crews using SUVs and other vehicles to ram through storefronts before hauling out machines. Coverage from neighborhood TV stations and news sites shows the pattern popping up in multiple communities and leaving small business owners staring at sky-high repair bills on top of their losses.
How to help
Anyone with video or information is urged to contact detectives or share tips through the Chicago Police Department tip portal. If you witness a crime in progress, call 911 immediately.
