Police are investigating after a crew of five suspects burglarized nine businesses in Highland Park, several in the downtown area, early Friday morning.
The Highland Park Police Department responded Friday morning to investigate burglaries and attempted burglaries at nine businesses where offenders were targeting cash.
A preliminary investigation showed that a group of five people in a single vehicle were responsible for the burglaries, city officials said.
The burglaries took place in the span of approximately 30 minutes.
The suspects broke through the front door or window of the business in each incident.
Officers first received an alarm notification at 3:24 a.m. It was learned that the first burglary occurred at 3:03 a.m.
The burglaries follow the same pattern as other North Shore communities have experienced, officials said.
Other communities have also seen a group of criminals carrying out a number of burglaries to commercial businesses in a very short period of time.
The crew or crews typically spend approximately 30 seconds to a minute in each business in search of cash.
Highland Park police officers have been in contact with all impacted businesses.
City officials said no injuries were reported and the vehicle used in the burglaries was stolen and linked to another commercial burglary that occurred at 3:38 a.m. in Deerfield.
The police department is collaborating with regional law enforcement agencies on the investigation.
City officials say they will be issuing follow-up communication to all Highland Park businesses.
The burglaries occurred at Chic Cadre Nail Salon at 181 Skoke Valley Road, Hearing Health Center at 185 Skokie Valley Road, Jimmy Johns at 332 Skokie Valley Road, Highland Tobacco and Vape at 1821 St. Johns Avenue, Michael’s Grill & Salad Bar at 1879 Second Street, BP gas station at 695 Central Avenue, Potbelly’s at 1845 Second Street, Dairy Queen at 600 Central Avenue and a vacant commercial unit at 600 Central Avenue.
Michael’s Grill & Salad Bar said their restaurant would be open Friday and asked for customers to shop local and stop by to show their love following the burglary spree.