Burglary Crew Rampages Through 9 Highland Park Businesses In 30 Mins

HIGHLAND PARK, IL — A burglary crew terrorizing the North Shore tore though nine businesses in Highland Park in the span of 30 minutes early Friday morning, according to the police.

According to preliminary investigation findings from the Highland Park Police Department, the first burglary occurred at 3:03 a.m. Police didn't receive the first alarm notification until 3:24 a.m.

In each incident, a group of five suspects traveling in a single vehicle broke through the front door or window of the business. Inside, the suspects spent about 30 seconds to one minute searching for cash before moving on, police said.

"These burglaries follow the same pattern as other North Shore communities have experienced, in which a group of criminals carries out a number of burglaries to commercial businesses in a very short period of time," the police department said in a statement.

Six businesses in Downtown Highland Park were impacted, and three additional businesses in the Crossroads Business District along Skokie Valley Rd. were impacted. The businesses include:

• Dairy Queen (600 Central Ave.)
• Jimmy Johns (332 Skokie Valley Rd.)
• Michael’s (1879 Second St.)
• Potbelly (1845 Second St.)
• Chic Cadre Nail Salon (181 Skokie Valley Rd.)
• Highland Tobacco and Vape (1821 St. Johns)
• BP Gas (695 Central Ave.)
• Hearing Health Center (185 Skokie Valley Rd.)
• Vacant space (600 Central Ave.)

"The City encourages community members to show support for these and all Highland Park businesses, as crimes such as burglaries can have a devastating effect on small businesses," officials said.

Following the burglaries in Highland Park, it is believed the crew carried out a similar incident in Deerfield at 3:38 a.m. Both the Highland Park and Deerfield police departments are investigating the burglaries.

Impacted businesses and nearby businesses received resources regarding best practices for crime deterrence and prevention.