Chicago — A serial smash-and-grab burglary has targeted at least a dozen businesses in River North and nearby neighborhoods in the past ten days, according to Chicago police. And we have a video of one break-in showing how quickly he gets in and out.
CPD issued a community alert about the man on Monday evening, saying he breaks into businesses by pushing through doors or breaking glass doors.
Once inside, he takes what he can and runs back out.
This video, recorded inside one of the businesses, shows the man in action. Watch:
He was inside the shop for less than 10 seconds. Odds are, he was gone before the 911 dispatch center even knew there was a burglary in progress.
The police alert linked the following break-ins to the man:
- 500 block of North Wells St, Saturday, February 18, in the morning.
- 300 block of West Grand Ave, Tuesday, February 21, in the morning.
- 200 block of West Institute Pl, Wednesday, February 22, in the afternoon.
- 300 block of West Grand Ave, Sunday, February 26, in the evening.
- 100 block of West Grand Ave, Sunday, February 26, in the evening.
- 600 block of North State St, Sunday, February 26, in the evening.
- 500 block of North State St, Sunday, February 26, in the evening.
- 600 block of North State St, Sunday, February 26, in the evening.
- 700 block of North Wells St, Sunday, February 26, in the evening.
- 400 block of North Clark St, Sunday, February 26, in the morning.
- 0-100 block of West Illinois St, Monday, February 27, in the morning.
Police reports reviewed by CWB Chicago suggest there are many more incidents that didn’t make the official list. The alert described the man as 5’8 to 6 feet tall, 165 to 180 pounds, and 25 to 40 years old.
Anyone with information about the man can contact Area Three detectives at 312-744-8263.
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