Groups of shoplifters have raided one Gold Coast convenience store three times in the past week — and the store’s owner is fed up.
Most recently, a crew of thieves entered the store at 1036 North Dearborn just after 1 a.m. Tuesday. Similar groups raided the shop at 12:08 a.m. Monday and again last Wednesday, July 22.
Video of the latest raid shows at least 10 people walking calmly through the store, helping themselves to whatever they please. Some cram merchandise into their clothes. One woman is bold enough to simply carry around a tray that she and others fill with goodies. Still others fill backpacks with booze.
Then, they walk right out the door.
Tuesday’s thieves took snacks, candy, sandwiches, wine, and much of the store’s canned cocktail inventory.
One camera captured video of the crew walking in. The first man walks directly to the camera, throws up some hand gestures, and gets to work with his colleagues. They do their thing and head back out the door in under 90 seconds.
In another scene from Tuesday’s raid, a thief hands can after can of mixed drinks to a companion who stuffs them all into the first man’s backpack. Then, the rest of the crew comes around to choose their refreshments for the evening.
Next, the crew helps themselves to the snack aisle. One woman takes plenty of time to review the store’s wine selection before choosing just the right vintage for her special night.
No arrests have been made.
It’s not the first time we’ve told you about shoplifting mobs hitting that convenience store. Last September, a smaller group of thieves went behind the store’s counter and stole over $2,000 worth of cigarettes and booze.
Two members of that theft crew, Ryan Munn and Fajour Hodges, are now accused of killing a former Marine by pushing him into the path of a moving Red Line train in the Loop on April 7.