Crash-and-Grab Thieves Steal ATM from South Side Gas Station on State Street

A South Side Chicago gas station became the latest target of a destructive crash-and-grab burglary early Tuesday morning, as thieves used a vehicle to smash through the storefront to steal an automated teller machine (ATM). The incident on State Street has highlighted an ongoing trend of vehicular burglaries targeting convenience stores and service stations across the city.

The State Street Smash-and-Grab

According to the Chicago Police Department, a vehicle was backed directly through the front glass windows of the service station on State Street. Once the facade was breached, several individuals got out of the vehicle, secured the ATM, loaded it into the back of their vehicle, and sped away from the scene. The crash caused severe structural damage to the building, leaving shattered glass and debris scattered across the shop floor.

Impact on Local Businesses

The owner of the gas station expressed dismay over the extensive damage, noting that the cost of rebuilding the storefront and repairing the structural columns far exceeds the amount of cash stolen from the ATM. Police are reviewing security footage from the gas station's cameras and city traffic cameras to track the escape route of the suspect vehicle. Law enforcement officials are urging anyone who witnessed the crash or saw suspicious activity in the vicinity of State Street during the early morning hours to contact investigators.