Burglary spree reported Jan. 23 on Chicago’s NW Side

by BRIAN NADIG

At least eight businesses on the Northwest Side, including Edgebrook, Edison Park and Union Ridge, appear to have been targeted by burglars around 2 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 23, but in some in some instances the thieves only caused damage and nothing was stolen, according to Chicago police.

One of the incidents in which cash was reported stolen occurred at Domino’s, 5410 W. Devon Ave., according to police. The register was found on the floor, and about $250 was reported missing, police said. In April the pizza shop was reported robbed at knifepoint.

It is suspected the Devon burglary is not related to the other incidents, which appear to have been committed by the same group, police said. Detectives are collecting video surveillance footage and other evidence as part of their investigation, police said.

An online surveillance video posting by the @DunningWatch X site shows a group of males trying to break open a door of a business in the 7000 block of West Higgins Avenue by throwing a large rock or concrete slab at it.

The group of three to four men were described as Black and wearing masks, gloves and dark clothing and driving a silver Kia Optima, according to police.

The incidents occurred between 1:49 a.m. and 2:30 a.m., and in several instances front doors or windows were damaged, with no merchandise or money reported missing, police said.

The following businesses were reportedly hit during the burglary spree: Roberto’s Jewelers, 7005 W. Higgins Ave., Elite Total Rehab, 7008 W. Higgins Ave., Trio’s Pizza, 7009 W. Higgins Ave., Trendy Nails, 7226 N. Harlem Ave., Mugs Pizza, 7228 W. Harlem Ave., and Chopstick Express, 7230 N.  Harlem Ave., police said. Another business on Harlem was reported burglarized or vandalized, but its address was not immediately available.

An incident also was reported earlier in the week in the 5800 block of West Irving Park Road, police said. 

Trio’s Pizza also was burglarized last November. In that incident, burglars could be seen on surveillance footage throwing a register on the floor several times and then taking it outside and throwing it on the sidewalk until it opened. 

The 16th (Jefferson Park) District robbery/burglary team and tactical teams are assisting Area 5 detectives with their investigation.

“Each evening and into the morning we deploy uniformed and tactical resources across our many business corridors. Officers maintain high visibility and conduct premise checks of businesses. We will continue those efforts and incorporate outside units when they are available,” the district told local chambers of commerce.

“The reduction of burglaries and apprehension of offenders responsible for these acts are of the highest priority for the 16th.”

The district encourages business to keep their registers empty and unlocked during the overnight hours and where appropriate to post “no cash on premise” signs.

The total number of reported burglaries, including commercial and residential but not vehicles, dropped 6.6 percent last year, with a 297 reported incidents compared to 318 in 2023.

(image from @DunningWatch X)

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