CPD issues warning after a dozen restaurants burglarized in River North
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Chicago police are searching for a burglar targeting restaurants in River North. Police say at least 12 burglaries have been reported in a two-week span.
As CBS 2's Shardaa Gray reports, some of the businesses were already hurting. Restaurants took a big blow during the pandemic and some are still recovering.
A community alert from police went out, warning residents about the burglaries. Detectives say a man forced his way in by breaking through glass doors and stealing goods before fleeing the scene.
The following are the incident times and locations:
· 500 block of North Wells St, Saturday February 18, 2023, in the morning hours.
· 300 block of West Grand Ave, Tuesday February 21, 2023, in the morning hours.
· 200 block of West Institute Pl, Wednesday February 22, 2023, in the afternoon hours.
· 300 block of West Grand Ave, Sunday February 26, 2023, in the evening hours.
· 100 block of West Grand Ave, Sunday February 26, 2023, in the evening hours.
· 600 block of North State St, Sunday February 26, 2023, in the evening hours.
· 500 block of North State St, Sunday February 26, 2023, in the evening hours.
· 600 block of North State St, Sunday February 26, 2023, in the evening hours.
· 700 block of North Wells St, Sunday February 26, 2023, in the evening hours.
· 400 block of North Clark St, Sunday February 26, 2023, in the morning hours.
· 0-100 block of West Illinois St, Monday February 27, 2023, in the morning hours.
· 0-100 block of West Erie St, Monday February 27, 2023, in the morning hours.
In each incident, police say the crooks are gaining entry by pushing through or breaking the glass door.
So far this year, there have been 42 burglaries in the 18th District, which includes the Near North Side. Last year during that same time frame there were 31 burglaries.
Last summer the Cook County Sheriff's Office opened a new post, hoping it would be part of the solution to crack down on crime. They set up shop near Chicago and State, a troubled River North intersection.
Anyone who has been through here has seen a heightened Chicago Police and Cook County Sheriff's Office presence, as we've tracked a continued uptick in violent crime across the downtown area, specifically in River North.
Police only had a vague description of the suspect but say he is 5 feet 8 inches to 6 feet tall and weighs 165 to 180 pounds and is between 25 and 40 years old.
It is unclear if anyone was hurt during these burglaries.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Bureau of Detectives – Area 3 at 312-744-8263.