Multiple smash-and-grab burglaries reported on Far Northwest Side

The Area Five Detective Division is issuing an alert about smash-and-grab burglaries at seven businesses between 4:06 and 4:48 a.m. Monday, Oct. 24, in the Far Northwest Side neighborhoods of Gladstone Park, Jefferson Park, Norwood Park and Portage Park in the 16th District.

In these incidents the offenders used a brick or large rock to break the front glass door of the business, and once inside, they targeted cash registers and safes, taking money, according to Chicago police.

The men, described as Black, age 16 to 20, 130 to 150 pounds and wearing dark clothing, masks and gloves, then fled in a black Jeep Compass, police said.

The burglarized businesses were pizzerias in the 5500 block of North Milwaukee Avenue and 5200 block of North Elston Avenue, smoke shops in the 4800 block of West Foster Avenue and 5600 blocks of West Irving Park Road, a cigar shop in the 6000 block of North Northwest Highway, a gas station in the 4400 block of North Central Avenue and a beauty supply store in the 6500 blocks of West Irving Park Road, police said.

The detective division recommends that businesses, if not already, install surveillance cameras and immediately call 911 anytime suspicious behavior is noticed at or near their establishment.
Those with information about the burglaries are asked to Area Five at 312-746-7394.