4 charged in smash-and-grab burglaries in Chicago
Four men were arrested Tuesday in a series of burglaries in which thieves used vehicles to slam through storefront windows to gain access to loot, Chicago police said.
More than 40 businesses were targeted, netting the thieves more than $2 million in merchandise — including electronics, fur coats and designer jeans. Authorities aren't saying whether these arrests are connected to similar burglaries in Oak Brook and Aurora.
Surveillance video recorded the thieves using stolen vehicles to crash into businesses before racing from the scene with merchandise. Police say the two-year crime spree was the work of gang members.
The four men arrested were identified as Kenneth C. Greene, 23, of the 5600 block of South Emerald Avenue; Jawon Sellers, 24, of the 10100 block of South LaSalle Street; Tommie Adams, 22, of the 10100 block of South LaSalle Street; and Hershel Phillips, 18, of the 5800 block of South Peoria. An unnamed juvenile was also arrested, and four other men are being sought.
Each of the men was charged with one count of felony burglary, but Adams was also charged with one count of felony theft, according to a news release.
“Instead of selling drugs and engaging in the types of violent crimes normally associated with street gangs, this particular crew has focused on burglarizing these high-end consumer retail stores and boutiques,” said Police Cmdr. Eugene Roy. “Criminals are criminals. They're looking for a way to make money, and they're looking for an easy way to make money.”
The crime spree began with thieves using crowbars and other hand tools to smash the glass windows of the targeted stores, according to authorities. When businesses responded with better security, police said the men resorted to using stolen vehicles to drive through the doorways of these targeted stores.
Dozens of others may have been involved in the burglaries in Chicago, the suburbs and other parts of the Midwest, authorities said. The retailers targeted included big box stores and high-end boutiques, as well as mom-and-pop businesses on Chicago's South and West Sides.
Similar incidents last year — at the Louis Vuitton store at Oakbrook Center in Oak Brook and at the Chicago Premium Outlets in Aurora — are still under investigation.
Burglars in the Aurora incident drove a minivan into the Salvatore Ferragamo store and fled with more than $40,000 in purses and luggage.
Spokesman Dan Ferrelli said in an email the four suspects have not been charged with Aurora's incident, which is still under investigation, but they have also not been ruled out as suspects.
The break in the Chicago case came after a Dec. 10 burglary at Nieman Marcus on Michigan Avenue, according to police. Two thieves were arrested after becoming trapped in the vehicle.
Much of the merchandise stolen during the crime spree won't be recovered because the crew sold it quickly, making 30 to 50 cents on the dollar, Roy said.
• Daily Herald staff writer Safiya Merchant contributed to this report.