CPD warns of Chicago burglary spree targeting 18 businesses citywide over the past month; Fatso’s Last Stand is among those shot

CHICAGO (Wales) — A group of thieves targeted more than a dozen businesses across the city.

It’s been going on for weeks.

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Chicago police said the group of thieves broke windows and stole cash registers and safes.

Small business owners said repairing a glass window or door could mean tens of thousands of dollars out of pocket.

“If you break a storefront window, that could mean a $30,000 repair,” said Kate Leydon, owner of the Ruby Room.

Leydon knows firsthand the work it takes to keep a small business alive when criminals are discovered.

The video shows his store being looted during the outbreak.

“A small business that is constantly taking a hit is very likely to close,” Leydon said.

Now 18 businesses, including Fatso’s Last Stand and The Boil Cajun Seafood in West Town, are trying to clean up damage after their glass doors were shattered in a recent burglary.

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From Oct. 26 through Wednesday, 18 businesses from Albany Park to the South Side were targeted by a group of four to five male thieves, Chicago police said. Wearing dark clothing, face masks and gloves, they were seen in four different cars.

“It comes down to manpower; it comes down to the fact that these areas are very large, and we’re trying to make sure we have enough assets to patrol those areas,” 36th Ward Ald. Gilbert Villegas said.

Villegas said he is working with the city’s budget committee to help businesses cover the cost of surveillance equipment.

“Small businesses are the backbone of this country, and they hire people from every neighborhood. And all of these activities are local, and those are the things we want,” Villegas said. he said.

Leydon, who has operated the store for about 25 years, said it’s important to ensure your employees are trained to be aware of their surroundings.

“I think when you get out of your zone energetically, you become much more sensitive,” Leydon said.

He hopes those who commit these crimes understand that the damage goes beyond finances.

“We’re really just like everyone else trying to make it and do what we love,” Leydon said.

Chicago police are urging businesses to immediately report any suspicious activity and make sure security cameras are in working order.

The incidents occurred on the dates and locations listed below:

– 1500 block of North Ashland Avenue (West Township) on October 26 at 10:45 p.m.
– 5300 block of West Belmont Boulevard (Belmont Cragin) between October 26 at 11:00 PM and October 27 at 8:00 AM
– 5300 block of West Belmont Boulevard (Belmont Cragin) between October 26 at 11:00 PM and October 27 at 8:00 AM
– 3100 block of West Montrose Avenue (East Albany Park) at 2:55 a.m. on October 27.
– 3700 block of North Harlem Boulevard (Belmont Heights) between October 26, 2024 at 23:00 and October 27, 2024 at 03:00
– October 27 at 5:51 a.m. 5100 block of West Diversey Parkway (Belmont Cragin)
– At 4:45 a.m. on Nov. 17, 3100 block of West Lawrence Avenue (Albany Park).
– November 17 at 5:20 a.m. 4300 block of West Armitage Avenue (Hermosa)
– At 5:32 a.m. on Nov. 17, 800 block of North Western Boulevard (West Township).
– November 17 at 5:58 a.m. 1800 block of West Division Street (West Township)
– At 3:10 a.m. on Nov. 26, 3500 block of North Milwaukee Avenue (Irving Park).
– At 4 a.m. on Nov. 26, 5800 block of North Milwaukee Avenue (Norwood Park).
– At 4 a.m. on Nov. 26, 5800 block of North Milwaukee Avenue (Norwood Park).
– At 4:15 a.m. on Nov. 26, 2200 block of South Michigan Avenue (near the South Side).
– On November 26, 2024 at 4:18 AM 500 block of West Roosevelt Road (near West Side)
– Nov. 26 at 4:37 a.m. 1400 block of South Michigan Avenue (Near South Side)
– At 5:20 a.m. on Nov. 26, 1200 block of North Noble Avenue (Pulaski Park).
– At 5:36 a.m. on November 26, 2200 block of West Chicago Avenue (West Town).

Anyone with information is asked to call Third Precinct Detectives at (312)-744 8263 or Fifth Precinct Detectives at (312)-746-7394 or submit an anonymous tip at CPDTIP.com.