Burglars hit stores in Naperville, Aurora
Burglars have struck three businesses this week along Route 59 in Naperville and two others on the far east side of Aurora, authorities said Friday.
The Naperville burglaries were at In Touch Wireless, 2959 Artesian Road; DSW Shoes, 448 S. Route 59; and Bad Boys Toyz, 888 S. Route 59, Cmdr. David Hoffman said.
The Aurora burglaries were at Tuffy Automotive, 3190 N. Aurora Road, and Quiznos, 3015 E. New York St.
Intruders broke windows to gain entry to the Naperville shops, Hoffman said. Given the method of entry and proximity of the burglaries, "it's a pretty strong possibility" the same people are responsible for all three, Hoffman said.
He said police have increased patrols in the area after dark and are urging residents to be on the lookout for people who "appear out of place at odd hours."
The first incident occurred sometime between 7:15 p.m. Monday and 6:38 a.m. Tuesday at In Touch Wireless when intruders used a brick to smash a window, entered the store, and removed money and cellular telephones.
Hoffman would not say how much cash was taken, but police estimated damage at $700.
At 11:47 p.m. Tuesday, police responded to an alarm at DSW Shoes and discovered intruders had smashed a window with a metal shopping cart. Police said an interior office door was forced open and it appeared the burglars unsuccessfully tried to open a safe. Damage was estimated at $2,500.
At 11:56 p.m. Tuesday, Aurora police said, the front door of Tuffy Automotive was smashed with a brick, but nothing appeared to be taken.
A half-hour later, at 12:25 a.m. Wednesday, the Quiznos front door was smashed and an undisclosed amount of money was taken from the cash register, Aurora police said.
The next day, Naperville police responded to an alarm at 1:07 a.m. at Bad Boys Toyz and discovered another smashed window. The burglars escaped with cash and 10 to 15 paintball guns. Damage was estimated at $1,150.
Anyone with information about any of the Naperville incidents is asked to call the investigations section at (630) 420-6726. Naperville Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information that leads to an arrest. Callers to Crime Stoppers at (630) 420-6006 may remain anonymous.
Anyone with information about the Aurora incidents is asked to call (630) 859-1700.