Overview
- Thieves used vehicles to ram storefronts and breach machines in a series of early-morning smash-and-grab incidents across the Loop and the Northwest Side.
- At one downtown scene, suspects drove a black Jeep into the Circle K at 211 W. Adams and tried to remove the ATM but fled without taking it after causing major damage.
- In a separate Northwest Side incident, a white Jeep was used to crash into a 7‑Eleven and at least four people grabbed items inside while a broken ATM was left outside.
- Surveillance video captures burglars using sledgehammers to smash gaming machines at Milano Café and shows repeat victimization of shops such as Snacks N Smoke, whose owner said recent break-ins have raised the prospect of closing.
- Chicago police, including area detectives, are investigating the linked incidents, collecting footage and damage reports while no arrests have been announced and small businesses weigh the cost of ongoing losses.