CHICAGO — Burglars targeted at least a dozen businesses, primarily bars and restaurants, during an overnight spree, Chicago police say. A short stretch of Lincoln Avenue in North Center and Lincoln Square was particularly hard-hit.
In a series of media statements about the break-ins, CPD said the crimes began around 11:40 p.m. at an unidentified business in the 4500 block of North Lincoln. Also targeted early in the spree were a breakfast restaurant in the 1300 block of West Hubbard and a coffee shop in the 2200 block of West Wilson.
The burglars broke windows or glass doors at each location.
Shortly after midnight, the crew broke the front glass door at Breakfast House, 3001 North Ashland, but they failed to get inside, according to CPD.
Things really heated up about an hour later.
Between 1:15 and 2 a.m., police found burglaries or attempted burglaries at Mangi’s Fast Food, 3801 North Lincoln; Wild Goose, 4265 North Lincoln; Rocks North Center, 4138 North Lincoln; Gannon’s Pub, 4264 North Lincoln; Bad Apple, 4300 North Lincoln; and an insurance office in the 4300 block of North Lincoln.
The crew crossed paths with an employee during one incident.
After throwing an object through a pub window in Roscoe Village, they noticed an employee inside and fled after pointing a gun at him, according to a CPD report.
Witnesses reported that between three and four masked men traveling in a gray Kia were involved in the burglaries.
Soon after the North Side spree ended, more break-ins were reported elsewhere, according to Chicago police.
Between 2 a.m. and 2:36 a.m., restaurants were hit in the 300 block of West 31st Street; the 2200 block of West 35th Street; and the 3400 block of South Archer.
Police have not announced any arrests.
Original reporting you’ll see nowhere else, paid for by our readers. Click here to support our work.
