Chicago police have asked members of the public to come forward after two burglaries in the early hours of Tuesday that targeted businesses on the city’s West and Northwest sides. The force said the same method was used in both incidents: a window was smashed, goods were removed and the suspect left the scene pushing a shopping cart.
Two incidents, minutes apart
Authorities reported that the first break‑in occurred at about 02:21 on Tuesday in the 5000 block of West Belmont Avenue in the Belmont Cragin neighbourhood. Roughly 11 minutes later, at about 02:32, a second burglary was recorded in the 1800 block of North LeClaire Avenue in North Austin.
The police statement did not identify the types of businesses targeted. Investigators said the suspect gained entry by throwing a brick or rock through a business window, removed property and transported the items in a shopping cart before fleeing the scenes.
What police want from the public
Grand Central Area detectives are asking anyone with information to contact them directly. The number provided is 312-746-7394. People who prefer to remain anonymous may submit tips online at CPDTIP.com, quoting reference P26-5-013.
- Time of first incident: 02:21 (5000 block West Belmont Ave, Belmont Cragin)
- Time of second incident: 02:32 (1800 block North LeClaire Ave, North Austin)
- Modus operandi: Window smashed with brick/rock; items loaded into a shopping cart; suspect fled
- Police contacts: Grand Central Area detectives 312-746-7394; CPDTIP.com, ref. P26-5-013
Local impact and wider context
While the incidents took place in Chicago, the pattern reported — late‑night smash‑and‑grab burglaries that target small businesses — is one that many city centres and suburban commercial strips around the world contend with. Such crimes can disproportionately affect small shop owners and employees who depend on daily takings and may lack the security infrastructure of larger chains.
Business owners often face immediate costs for repairs and inventory replacement, and lost trading time while windows are boarded and police investigations proceed. For workers, the psychological effect of a violent intrusion and potential loss of tips or wages can be substantial even when physical injuries are avoided.
How communities can help investigations
Police said any small detail could assist detectives piecing together the suspect’s movements. Useful information includes:
- dashcam, home CCTV or shop surveillance footage recorded between 02:00 and 03:00 in the affected areas;
- photos or descriptions of anyone seen pushing a shopping cart or carrying goods away from commercial premises that night;
- vehicle descriptions, registration numbers or unusual pedestrian behaviour near the reported blocks.
| Incident | Time | Location | Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| One | 02:21 | 5000 block West Belmont Ave (Belmont Cragin) | Window smashed with brick/rock; items taken; shopping cart used |
| Two | 02:32 | 1800 block North LeClaire Ave (North Austin) | Window smashed with brick/rock; items taken; shopping cart used |
Detectives are treating the two burglaries as linked because of the timing, geography and similar method of entry, the police communication indicated.
Those with information are asked to call the Grand Central Area detectives on 312-746-7394 or to submit an anonymous tip via CPDTIP.com (reference P26-5-013).
Keeping a close watch, preserving footage and reporting suspicious activity quickly remains the most practical way for residents and businesses to assist criminal investigations and reduce further thefts.
