Burglars break into at least 13 businesses on Clark Street in Lincoln Park

Burglars broke into at least 13 businesses along North Clark Street in Lincoln Park early Tuesday, smashing glass doors and windows and taking cash registers from several of them.^{1, 2}

The break-ins happened around 3:56 a.m. in the 2400 and 2500 blocks of North Clark, between Fullerton Parkway and Deming Place, Chicago police said, according to FOX 32 Chicago.^{1, 2} Police said a group of men got out of a white vehicle, broke into the businesses, then got back in the vehicle and drove off eastbound.¹

No arrests had been made.^{1, 2} Area Three detectives are investigating, and police said a full list of what was taken was not yet available.¹

The businesses

The businesses hit included Sultan’s Market, Kala Modern Greek, CM Chicken, Doner 97, Moon Bowls, Aloha Eats, Molly’s Cupcakes, Epic Snack Shack, The Other Side Bar, two dry cleaners, a UPS store and a Great Clips salon, the stations reported.^{1, 2}

Surveillance video from Molly’s Cupcakes, at 2536 N. Clark St., showed people running in through a smashed window and opening the register; management said the alarm went off and nothing was taken, CBS Chicago reported.² At Kala Modern Greek, 2523 N. Clark St., video showed a person smashing the front door, and nothing was stolen there either, according to CBS.²

The owner of Top Cleaners told CBS that a cash register with $250 inside was missing.² Several abandoned cash registers were later found on the grass near Lincoln Park Zoo, the station reported.²

Owners pay for the damage

A.J. Miller, who manages The Pasta Bowl and The Other Side Bar next door, said the bar’s door carries a sign saying no cash is kept inside.² “They broke in across the street, took a cash register box from across the street, and used it to break the window here,” Miller told CBS Chicago.²

“Any added expense is no joke, especially for small businesses,” he said.² Owners told the station they often pay for damage out of pocket to avoid higher insurance costs.² The Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce has a rebate program to help businesses repair or replace damaged storefront glass, its president told CBS.²

What the alderperson wants

Timmy Knudsen, the 43rd Ward alderperson, called the break-ins “senseless crimes.”¹ He said he will keep pushing for sustained police patrols on Clark Street and more public safety cameras where there are gaps in coverage.^{1, 2} His office is working with the Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce and the Clark Street Special Service Area on “additional, creative ways to protect the corridor,” according to CBS.²

Police have put the corridor under special attention and are running burglary missions with officers assigned to watch the area, according to FOX 32.¹

Anyone with video or information is asked to call Area Three detectives at 312-744-8263 or submit a tip at chicagopolice.org/submit-a-tip.^{1, 2}