Thieves caught on camera after Chicago tobacco shops targeted by smash-and-grab burglars
CHICAGO (WLS) -- Three Chicago tobacco shops were targeted by smash-and-grab burglars Wednesday morning, Chicago police said.
The first burglary occurred at about 4:13 a.m. in the 700-block of West Randolph Street.
Two male suspects broke the window of the Morgan Smoke and Vape tobacco shop and stole money, cigars and cartons of cigarettes after making entry, police said.
The suspects then got in a black coupe, possibly a Mercedes, and fled westbound, police said.
Chavis Lingle has lived in the West Loop neighborhood for 16 years.
"It's troubling. You see the broken glass. You don't want to come home to this," he said.
Roughly an hour later, a second tobacco shop in the 1800-block of West Division Street was targeted in a burglary at about 5:13 a.m.
Police said two male suspects stole merchandise before also fleeing in a black vehicle.
Surveillance video captured the burglars at Smoke Times, showing two men in masks and hoodies entering before taking cash and cigarettes cartons
The manager said it is the second time in roughly a year that his store has been hit.
"It seems like, throughout the city, things have been happening in places they normally don't," said Wicker Park resident Jordan Boyle.
An alarm went off at a third tobacco shop. Ash's Wicker Park Tobacconist, in the 1900-block of West Division Street, was hit about 10 minutes later. Police found an open door, but there was no damage and nothing appeared to be taken.
People living and working near the string of burglaries said they've been left on edge.
"It's a wonderful neighborhood, people and everything, but scary coming here. It's getting worse and worse," said Irena Dziedzic, a Wicker Park business employee.
Police have not said if the incidents are linked.
No injuries were reported and no one is in custody.
