Chicago police are warning business owners about a string of early-morning burglaries across the North Side.
Detectives report that an offender is targeting shops in the Edgewater, Uptown, and West Ridge neighborhoods.
The suspect uses a blunt object to smash front doors or force them open to gain entry.
Once inside, the intruder quickly steals cash registers and loose currency before fleeing the scene.
Seven separate businesses have been hit since mid-December, mostly during the pre-dawn hours.
The most recent break-in occurred on January 9 in the 6300 block of North Claremont Avenue.
Other incidents have clustered on West Argyle Street, West Granville Avenue, and North Artesian Avenue.
Police describe the suspect as a male, approximately 16 to 25 years old.
He was last seen wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, dark pants, black shoes, a face mask, and gloves.
Authorities urge business owners to stay alert and report any suspicious people lingering near storefronts.
If you discover a break-in, police advise you not to touch anything and call 911 immediately.
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