Crash-and-grab thieves target clothing store on Chicago's South Side
CHICAGO (CBS) – Thieves smashed a Jeep into a South Shore clothing store in the city's latest crash-and-grab burglary early Thursday morning.
The burglary happened just before 3 a.m. at "The Shop 147" in the 7200 block of South Stoney Island.
Surveillance footage captured the moment Chicago police say a group of unknown offenders crashed into the business before making entry and took merchandise from inside.
Several smashed glass casings were found inside.
The group then got into three waiting cars and fled the scene heading northbound. The SUV used in the theft was left at the scene and has since been towed.
The store, known for selling men's apparel, was targeted in the past, with the latest attempt happening less than a day ago, according to nearby business owner Larry Tankson.
"Yesterday, there was an attempt, I guess, a trial. I don't know what you want to call it, but they damaged it, the workers came and put some new store frames up, and then they came back, I guess last night, early this morning, and they actually got in this time," he said.
This is a double whammy for the business, which also has a location in the Beverly neighborhood. That location was targeted earlier this month when a very similar situation unfolded.
Surveillance footage on that burglary showed a Jeep crashing into the business and thieves jumping out and grabbing merchandise before taking off in waiting sedans.
The owner, who didn't want to be identified, says The future for small business owners in the city is grim.
"I don't think we are able to last a lot longer in a business environment like this. We definitely have to eventually move out of here. So, of course, when you get hit once, twice, three times, four times, you eventually give up and move out."
It's unclear if it was the same individuals who struck the South Shore location.
No injuries were reported.
No arrests were made. Area 1 detectives were investigating.