CHICAGO (WLS) — At least seven stores on the Northwest Side were robbed in the early hours of the morning of the Fourth of July, even though most were closed for the holiday.
An ice cream store was broken into for the second time, and the culprit was caught on security camera footage.
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Chicago police say that between midnight and 6 a.m. on July 4, three men decided to cause mayhem in Northwest Chicago.
Surveillance footage showed the suspects entering the chocolate shop near Devon and Minnehaha avenues around 4 a.m.
The culprit, dressed all in black, ripped the till off the front counter and cut the cord, then rummaged through the shop and back room, stealing cash before breaking into the ATM.
Unfortunately, there is a fear in the back of my mind that something might happen…
Blackbaum, owner of City's Edge
Police said the suspects then moved across the street to City's Edge, where they also entered a bar and restaurant.
“With everything that's in the news right now and everything that's going on, I knew right away what it was, so it's unfortunate,” City's Edge owner Blake Baum said.
Baum said while the robbers also stole cash, the damage they left behind will be much more damaging.
“We're open today and hopefully we can sell enough food and booze to make up for the cost of repairing the door and the damages,” Baum said.
Prior to this robbery, the same group of thieves had broken into a Breakfast House near the intersection of Belmont and Keating Streets, smashing through the side glass door. Chicago police said the robbers used the same method each time, breaking into the building using hammers and crowbars to break down the door and stealing cash, safes and electronic devices once inside.
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Business owners told ABC7 it's an unpleasant feeling, but one they can't control.
“Unfortunately there's a fear in the back of your mind that something could happen, but again, hopefully none of us will be here when it does,” Baum said. “Anyone can replace us. Our employees are definitely more important.”
Chicago police are still searching for the suspects, who are believed to be between the ages of 16 and 25. Anyone with information is urged to call police.
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