Nineteen businesses across Chicago’s Northwest Side have been targeted in a coordinated string of smash-and-grab burglaries, leaving local owners grappling with property damage, insurance complications, and mounting security concerns.
The break-ins affected commercial establishments in the Forest Glen, Portage Park, and Albany Park neighborhoods, according to local law enforcement. Investigators reported that the affected properties include a variety of neighborhood establishments, such as restaurants, coffee shops, and a hardware store.
Surveillance equipment at Bottles and Cans, located at 6401 N. Central Ave., captured clear footage of the crew responsible for the raid last week. According to Chicago police, the group consists of three to four offenders who utilized a brick to smash through the front doors or windows of the targeted properties. Once inside, the perpetrators stole cash registers and merchandise before fleeing the scene in a red Kia.
Carly Katz, owner of Bottles and Cans, noted that her storefront is situated at a busy and well-lit intersection, yet it still fell victim to the crew. The recent incident marks the second time her business has been burglarized this year, adding unexpected repair expenses and administrative burdens.
“It’s just awful because now everyone’s going through it and that’s not good for any of us. Because then, you know, we have higher crime rates, which also affects our insurance. And it also makes people question if they can even walk around in the neighborhood. And it’s just concerning for everybody,” Katz said, while acknowledging she felt fortunate the physical damage to her shop was not more extensive.
The burglaries occurred across the Chicago Police Department’s 14th, 16th, and 17th districts. Authorities are urging anyone who possesses information regarding the incidents or the suspects linked to the red Kia to come forward and contact investigators.
