Armed Crew Climbs Through Lincoln Park Wendy's Drive-Thru Window in Overnight Heist

In the early-morning quiet of Lincoln Park, a Wendy's drive-thru turned into the scene of a brazen armed heist instead of a late-night snack run.

Shortly after 3:30 a.m. Tuesday, four armed men pulled up to the restaurant's drive-thru, climbed in through the service window, and took two cash registers along with the cellphones of two employees before fleeing. No injuries were reported, according to Chicago police.

What police say

The robbery happened in the 2300 block of North Ashland Avenue, and the crew took off in a black sedan, Chicago police said, according to CBS Chicago. Area Three detectives are handling the investigation.

Police also said two other fast-food restaurants across the city were hit in separate robberies overnight, though details on those incidents were not immediately available.

Part of a broader pattern of early-morning thefts

The Wendy's break-in tracks with a months-long run of smash-and-grab burglaries where groups have targeted businesses for cash registers and ATMs in the pre-dawn hours, as NBC Chicago has reported.

Citywide, more than 30 business burglaries have been reported since January, many between about 2 a.m. and 5 a.m., according to FOX 32 Chicago.

Police urging witnesses to come forward

According to the Bureau of Detectives Area Three, anyone with information is asked to call (312) 744 744-8261 or submit an anonymous tip at CPDTIP.com. Police stress that witnesses should not confront suspects and should call 911 immediately if they see suspicious activity.

Business owners say repeated break-ins have taken a toll, with some boarding up storefronts and changing how they store and secure cash, NBC Chicago reported. Detectives are reviewing surveillance footage and following up on tips as they search for the vehicle and suspects involved in the Wendy's theft.