Smash and Grab Crew Hits 14 Businesses Across Chicago in Less Than an Hour Overnight
A coordinated smash-and-grab crew moved rapidly across Chicago’s North and South Sides early Tuesday morning, striking 14 small retail businesses in less than one hour, according to the Chicago Police Department.
The crew broke windowpanes and glass door inserts to gain entry and stole currency from each business before fleeing.
No arrests have been announced.
The Incidents
All fourteen incidents occurred between 1:42 AM and 2:37 AM on Tuesday, September 1, 2026.
2700 block of North Elston Avenue at 1:42 AM in Bucktown in the 14th District.
Three incidents in the 3200 block of West Addison Street at 1:51 AM, 1:52 AM, and 1:53 AM in Avondale in the 17th District.
1800 block of West Irving Park Road at 1:55 AM in North Center in the 19th District.
1400 block of West Irving Park Road at 1:58 AM in Lakeview in the 19th District.
Two incidents in the 3700 block of North Southport Avenue between 2:00 AM and 2:20 AM in Wrigleyville in the 19th District.
Four incidents in the 3800 block of North Southport Avenue between 2:00 AM and 2:20 AM in Wrigleyville in the 19th District.
3700 block of North Southport Avenue at 2:04 AM in Wrigleyville in the 19th District.
3200 block of North Clark Street at 2:12 AM in East Lakeview in the 19th District.
3100 block of North Halsted Street at 2:15 AM in East Lakeview in the 19th District.
2000 block of West 35th Street at 2:36 AM in McKinley Park in the 9th District.
1800 block of West 35th Street at 2:37 AM in McKinley Park in the 9th District.
Offender and Vehicle Description
Chicago Police describe five offenders wearing dark colored clothing who fled the scene in a small grey colored sedan.
What Business Owners Should Do
Chicago Police are urging business owners in affected neighborhoods to take the following precautions.
Keep the perimeter of your property well lit.
Notify nearby businesses about this pattern.
Report suspicious activity immediately.
Keep doors and windows secured.
Immediately repair any broken windows, doors, or locks.
If video surveillance is available, save and make a copy of the footage for investigating detectives.
If you are a victim, do not touch anything and call 911 immediately.
Anyone with information about this pattern is asked to contact the CPD 9th District at 312-747-8227, the 14th District at 312-744-8290, the 17th District at 312-742-4410, or the 19th District at 312-744-8320. Anonymous tips can be submitted at cpdtip.com or by calling 1-800-535-7867.
