Police Probe String of Business Break-Ins on North Southport Avenue, Including Little Goat Diner in Lakeview

CHICAGO (WLS) — Authorities in Chicago are delving into a series of business burglaries that occurred early Thursday morning on the North Side of the city.

According to police, these incidents took place along North Southport Avenue in Lakeview, a lively area known for its popular dining spots and retail outlets. These break-ins are part of a worrisome trend of burglaries affecting Lakeview and other neighborhoods across Chicago.

Among the businesses hit was the renowned Little Goat Diner, the culinary venture of celebrity chef and James Beard Award recipient, Stephanie Izard.

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The first burglary was reported around midnight in the 3300 block of North Southport Avenue. A second incident was logged at approximately 2:29 a.m. in the 3400 block of the same street, as confirmed by the Chicago Police Department.

In each case, the suspect, described as a male wearing a surgical mask, gray hooded sweatshirt, gloves, black pants, a black backpack, and black gym shoes, allegedly gained entry by smashing a side window or forcing open a rear door. The intruder then attempted to pilfer cash registers, according to police reports.

Carly Wilson, associate director of operations at the BOKA Restaurant Group, is director of operations at Little Goat Diner, a popular eatery at Southport and Henderson.

“[Izard] was actually the one to call me this morning,” Wilson Definitely not a great way to start her day, either. Not what she wants to see when she comes to her restaurant.”

Wilson says video shows a suspect breaking a window with a rock before reaching in and pulling open an empty cash register drawer.

“He did not come inside the business,” Wilson said. “It was just a smash the window and try to reach in, but no, he didn’t end up taking anything thankfully for us.”

The ABC 7 Neighborhood Safety Tracker, which analyzes CPD data, shows burglaries citywide are up 15% in the past 12 months compared to the average of the last three years. In Lakeview, such break-ins have steadily risen from fewer than 200 in 2021 to nearly 300 in 2024, and even more last year.

“We have a great community of business owners on Southport,” Wilson said. “There are a ton of local businesses. All of us stay connected through a group chat, so whenever something happens to one of us, everyone is immediately aware.”

No arrests have been made as Chicago police continue to investigate.

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