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In Chicago, a spate of burglaries has hit local businesses this week, leaving owners frustrated and security on high alert.
In the early hours of Thursday morning, a GameStop located on Cermak Road became the latest target. The thieves didn’t stop there—they also struck El Taconazo Restaurant, conveniently situated just a short distance away in the bustling Heart of Chicago neighborhood.
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The crime wave continued at Shawn Michelle’s Homemade Ice Cream on 47th Street in the Bronzeville area, where a similar brazen break-in unfolded on Thursday morning.
The owner of the ice cream shop recounted how he was jolted awake by a call from his alarm company in the middle of the night, alerting him to the intrusion.
Upon reaching his shop, he discovered that not only was the cash register missing, but even the safes had been stolen, underscoring the boldness and thoroughness of the thieves.
The Cermak burglaries were part of a string of crimes, Chicago police said.
SEE ALSO: CPD issues alert for dozens of armed robberies over last month across Chicago
In each incident, two to four men between 20 and 30 year old, wearing dark-colored hooded sweatshirts, sweatpants and ski masks, forcibly entered businesses after breaking the front glass door, Chicago police said.
Once inside, suspects stole money in safes and cash registers, CPD said.
In one incident, one of the suspects pointed a gun and threatened to shoot the unsuspecting victim as he arrived to work and entered into the business, according to police.
A stolen gray 2011 Infiniti four-door sedan and a black 2017 Infiniti four-door sedan were identified as being used by the suspects in a majority of incidents.
The crimes took place at the following times and locations:
– 3300-block of North Broadway at 3:20 a.m. on Nov. 5 (Lake View East)
– 7100-block of North Ridge Boulevard at 3:32 a.m. on Nov. 5 (West Ridge)
– 600-block of West Washington Boulevard at 4:30 a.m. on Nov. 5 (West Loop)
– 400-block of South Wells Street at 5 a.m. on Nov. 5 (Chicago Loop)
– 1900-block of South State Street at 4:58 a.m. on Nov. 7 (Near South Side)
– 2000-block of South Clark Street at 5:04 a.m. on Nov. 7 (South Loop)
– 500-block West Harrison Street at 5:40 a.m. on Nov. 7 (Near West Side)
– 6100-block of North Milwaukee Avenue at 5:04 a.m. on Nov. 15 (Norwood Park)
– 6700-block of North Northwest Highway at 5:21 a.m. on Nov. 15 (Edison Park)
– 3400-block of North Elston Avenue at 6:30 a.m. on Nov. 15 (Avondale)
– 4300-block of West Irving Park Road at 3:11 a.m. on Nov. 20 (Old Irving)
– 4300-block of West Irving Park Road at 3:11 a.m. on Nov. 20 (Old Irving)
– 4300-block of West Irving Park Road at 3:54 a.m. on Nov. 20 (Old Irving)
– 2300-block of West Cermak Road at 4:25 a.m. on Nov. 20 (Lower West Side)
– 2300-block of West Cermak Road at 4:27 a.m. on Nov. 20 (Lower West Side)
– 800-block of West Jackson Boulevard at 4:41 a.m. on Nov. 20 (West Loop)
Anyone with information should call Area Three Detectives at (312) 744-8263.
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