(WBBM NEWSRADIO) – A Save A Lot grocery store in the Washington Park neighborhood is closed indefinitely following a break-in.
A sign on the store, in the 300 block of East 63rd, earlier this week said, “Closed permanently.”
But a company spokesperson said that should read “indefinitely,” because the future of the store is in flux, following a burglary over the weekend that caused significant damage.
“Over the weekend, vandals broke into our store at 344 East 63rd Street, causing significant property damage and removing thousands of dollars worth of inventory,” the company said in a statement reported by the Sun-Times.
“Several suspects were still in the store when our team arrived to open the next day. We engaged local law enforcement and are cooperating with the ongoing police investigation.
“Our top priority for this and all our Save A Lot locations is the safety and security of our employees and our customers. The store will remain closed as we work with City officials to address these security risks,” the statement said.
Shoppers are encouraged to go to the Save A Lot in Englewood, but residents say that’s not a workable solution for people in Washington Park. It is one of the areas of the city that is considered a “food desert” because supermarket shopping options are not as plentiful compared with other regions.
The Englewood location opened quietly recently after owners faced opposition and criticism from members of the community who were disappointed the Whole Foods that was housed there would be replaced with a chain that is considered inferior.
Contributing: Sun-Times Media Wire
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