Police are investigating after a burglary crew forced entry to an Israeli restaurant and stole cash before fleeing the scene, as a community group says the small family business was “violated.”
The Highwood Police Department responded on September 12 to Ami Jerusalem Street Food, 148 Green Bay Road in Highwood, for a report of a burglary.
Highwood Police Chief Dave Wentz said the front window of the restaurant was broken and a suspect or suspects entered the business and stole the cash register.
The business lost $200 in cash from the register but Wentz said the broken window is the more costly loss.
The burglary, which happened around 3 a.m., was reported hours later by an employee who was opening the restaurant that morning.
Chicago Jewish Alliance said the small family business was “violated” yet they opened their doors to the community on the same day of the incident.
“This is the resilience of local entrepreneurs. They work hard. They feed their neighbors. They get up the next morning even after being robbed,” the Chicago Jewish Alliance said.
“Our role is to make sure they are not left standing alone. Show up. Eat their food. Leave a kind review. Remind them that this community cares,” the group said.
Ami said earlier this week that they have received an outpouring of love and support from the community following the break-in.
“Your messages, visits, and encouragement reminds us why we love being part of this community. We are grateful to each of you for standing by us, and we look forward to continuing to serve you with the same dedication and heart,” the business said.
Wentz said the suspects fled in a Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck, which was reported stolen out of Beach Park.
No other burglaries were reported in the Highwood city limits that night. The same suspects also committed another commercial burglary nearby in Highland Park, Wentz said.
The Highland Park Police Department responded around 3:08 a.m. to La Michoacana Bella, 2641 Waukegan Avenue, for a report of a burglary in progress.
La Michoacana Bella is a family-owned business specializing in homemade ice cream and dessert combinations that are made fresh daily.
The business owner was alerted in real time of the break-in via security cameras and notified the police.
Police said a large rock was used to break the store’s window and the suspects gained entry on the north side of the building.
An unknown suspect took a cash register with cash. The estimated loss of products and cash was $2,850, which does not include the cost to replace the broken window, police said.
“I’m saddened and frustrated by the vandalism that happened this morning to our ice cream shop. It’s incredibly disheartening to see something I care so much about get damaged like this,” the business said in a statement.
“I’m asking my friends and family from around the area if you know anything or recognize one of the individuals please reach out to me,” the business owner said.
Surveillance video from the business captured at least two suspects inside the store during the burglary.
One suspect appeared to be stealing products while the other stole cash from the register.
Both burglaries remain under investigation and the Highwood Police Department and Highland Park Police Department are working together on the cases.