(WBBM NEWSRADIO) – Smash-and-grab burglars broke into a Chicago business four times in the span of a week – part of a larger trend of thieves targeting electrical and plumbing companies across Chicago.
Police say the same robbery crew likely is responsible for 21 thefts at 11 businesses on the North, Northwest and West sides since mid-January. The thieves sometimes use vehicles to ram into the businesses in the early morning hours and then, once inside, load up with tools and equipment before fleeing; in some cases, they have returned for additional break-ins.
That’s what happened at the longtime business that was hit four times in the past week, confirms the owner, who asked not to be identified because he doesn’t want negative attention on his Northwest Side company.
After watching surveillance video of the burglars stealing tens of thousands of dollars of products, he has hired security guards. But he tells WBBM Newsradio he’s not sure how long he can afford to keep them.
The owner said the police department’s hands are tied. He said he’s considering bricking over some of the entrances, given that no doors may be effective against thieves who ram them with vehicles.
In a community alert, police warn about the burglaries and robberies at shops and work vehicles that typically occur before sunrise.
No arrests have been reported.
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