CHICAGO — Police are investigating a string of early morning burglaries that hit three South Side businesses on Friday, June 27, leaving storefronts damaged and their ATMs stolen. The targeted locations, spanning Avalon Park to Beverly and Morgan Park, were all hit within a two-hour window.
Businesses Hit in Fast-Moving Theft Spree
The thefts began around 3:15 a.m. when burglars smashed the front glass door of a business on the 1400 block of East 87th Street in Avalon Park, gaining entry with a crowbar and fleeing with the business’s ATM.
Less than an hour later, at 4:02 a.m., burglars struck again—this time at Waldo Cooney’s Pizza, located at 2410 W. 111th Street in Beverly. Photos show the restaurant’s glass door shattered and its ATM removed from the premises.
The third incident occurred at the Morgan Park Sports Center, a city-run facility at 11505 S. Western Avenue, which houses an ice rink and various community amenities. The break-in reportedly happened between 3 a.m. and 5 a.m., aligning with the timeline of the other two burglaries.
Suspects and Investigation
Chicago Police said the suspects in all three cases were dressed similarly—black hooded sweatshirts, black and blue pants, and black masks. At this time, it’s unclear whether the same group is responsible for all incidents, but investigators believe the burglaries are connected.
Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact Calumet Area detectives at 312-747-8273 or submit anonymous tips via CPDTIP.com using reference #25-02-015.
Community Impact and Business Vulnerability
These thefts highlight a concerning trend for small business owners across Chicago’s South Side. With storefronts already grappling with pandemic recovery and inflation-driven operating costs, the additional burden of repairing property damage and replacing ATMs is financially draining.
Waldo Cooney’s Pizza, a neighborhood staple, had to temporarily close to clean up the damage and ensure customer safety. Local residents expressed frustration and concern on social media, with some questioning whether more visible police presence could deter such crimes.
A Broader Pattern of ATM Theft
ATM thefts have risen in recent years across urban areas nationwide. Thieves often use tools like crowbars, chains, or even stolen vehicles to gain access and remove the machines. Chicago has seen a similar spike, particularly in late-night and early-morning hours when fewer witnesses are likely.
The quick cash potential makes ATMs attractive targets, but they also present a high risk for the businesses that house them. According to the National ATM Council, each stolen machine can result in $10,000–$50,000 in combined losses and damages, depending on the cash stored and repair costs.
What Business Owners Can Do
To reduce their vulnerability, local businesses are being encouraged by security experts to:
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Install high-definition surveillance systems both inside and outside
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Use reinforced glass and steel door frames
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Secure ATMs to the floor or wall with concrete anchors
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Consider alarm systems with motion detectors and real-time alerts
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Limit ATM cash loads overnight or remove machines during off-hours
Business owners can also join neighborhood watch coalitions or local chamber of commerce safety programs to share tips and coordinate preventive efforts.
Citywide Response Needed
While investigations are ongoing, some community leaders are calling for increased patrols in vulnerable business corridors, especially between midnight and dawn when such crimes often occur. Others suggest public-private partnerships to fund security upgrades in small and minority-owned businesses.
“Smaller businesses don’t always have the resources to install advanced security,” one local alderman noted. “The city needs to support them with grants or tax incentives to keep their properties and our communities safe.”
Have you seen suspicious activity in your neighborhood recently, or do you own a business impacted by similar crimes? Share your story in the comments or let us know how your community is responding at ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com.
