Burglars target 5 businesses on same block in Greater Grand Crossing
Burglars targeted at least five businesses on the same block in Chicago's Greater Grand Crossing neighborhood early Monday morning.
Some of the burglaries were caught on surveillance cameras.
In a community alert, Chicago police said the burglaries were reported in the 200 and 500 blocks of 75th Street just after 4 a.m.
In each incident, police said two people broke the business's front glass window. In at least three of the reported break-ins, the pair stole a cash register before leaving the scene.
Nadia's Beauty Salon owner, Nadie Wilkins, shared surveillance photos of a masked person with a flashlight inside her business. She said she feels violated by the attack on her salon and said they left with nothing.
"They just destroyed it like it was nothing," Wilkins said. "...They don't think about the hard work that it takes. They don't even know. How am I going to replace that glass?"
Video shared by the Romance Room shows a suspect walking out of the business with a cash register with only $100 inside. The owners say the register by itself costs about $1,500.
Down the street at Flowers First by Erskine, Erskine Quicksey says he was burglarized around 4 a.m., which is usually the time he is there for work.
"That is actually really a blessing that I came in later, for whatever reason and I generally don't come in that late," he said.
Three Black-owned businesses in Chicago's Bronzeville neighborhood, the 4600 block of South Dr. Martin Luther King Drive, were also listed in the community alert. The incidents in Bronzeville were reported between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m.
Bronzeville Soul was one of the targeted businesses.
"It's obviously some type of trend and targeting going on," said co-owner Angie Price.
As well as Hair Expert.
"I just really wish ya'll find something better to do in life. It's more productive things to do in your life and there's more better things to express your feelings or whatever you're going through," said owner Nicholas Byrd.
Video from Soul Veg caught the thieves in the act. They were seen using an unknown tool to break the glass and then enter the business.
"We feel like the whole neighborhood and the community is under attack. So that's why we had to have this emergency meeting so that we can get in front of it," co-owner of Soul Veg City Arel Israel said.
No injuries were reported at any of the businesses.
Alderman William Hall called an "Emergency 75th Street Business" meeting at Soul Vegetarian City on Tuesday morning in response to the string of burglaries. He said the meeting would focus on "security, accountability, and immediate solutions."
"We're having a meeting today, not to complain. We're not having a meeting to point fingers at each other. We're having a meeting to become stronger and more unified," Hall said.
"The time is now for us to act," Israel said.
All the businesses say the crimes do not scare them and they are staying in their neighborhood. As of Tuesday, no arrests were made.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Area One Property Crime Detectives at 312-747-8384 and Area Two Property Crime Detectives at 312-747-8273. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to CPDTIP.com with reference # 26-CWP-027.
