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| Storefront ATMs were burglarized at Tulip’s Gallery (left) and Venicci Pizza in Boystown on Friday. | Google |
A burglar broke into two Boystown businesses on Friday and stole money from their sidewalk-facing ATMs. The latest incidents are part of a pattern that Chicago police warned about in late April.
Just before noon on Friday, a witness reported seeing a door pried open and a man running from the scene at Tulip’s Gallery, 3459 North Halsted Street, police said. Responding officers found the backside of the store’s ATM pried open with cash strewn across the floor.
The man who was seen running from the area was described as white, mid-30’s, 5’6” tall, and wearing a flannel shirt.
Less than an hour later, Venicci Pizza at 3343 North Halsted reported that its storefront ATM had been burglarized.
Previous Warning
Two businesses near Wrigleyville and Boystown were targeted by burglars who emptied ATMs during April, according to a previously-released community alert.
The first incident at Kanela Breakfast Club, 3231 North Clark, on April 13, was followed by another case at 3352 North Sheffield three days later.
The community alert offered no description of the April offenders. The thief shattered the front door glass of both businesses to make entry, police said.
Police are asking people to look out for suspicious behavior such as loitering. Businesses should also install and maintain a surveillance system, the alert said.
Anyone with information about the burglaries is asked to call Area North detectives at (312) 744-8263.
