Loop Food and Deli Store Targeted in Overnight Smash-and-Grab on Wabash Avenue

CHICAGO — A smash-and-grab burglary disrupted a business in the heart of downtown Chicago early Thursday morning, when thieves broke into the ChiTown Food & Deli on Wabash Avenue in the Loop.

Surveillance cameras captured the incident, showing suspects breaking the front glass entrance to gain entry to the deli. Once inside, the perpetrators quickly looted the counter area, targeting the cash register and snatching merchandise before fleeing before police could arrive at the scene.

The Loop has seen a series of similar storefront break-ins, raising concern among local business operators who are calling for increased police presence and improved security measures during late-night hours. The owner of ChiTown Food & Deli is assessing the damage, which includes replacing the heavy glass doors and reconciling stolen inventory.

No suspects are currently in custody, and Chicago police are reviewing surveillance tapes from the Wabash Avenue storefront and nearby traffic cameras in an attempt to trace the suspects' route of escape.