Surveillance photo released in 2 North Side break-ins

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Chicago police released a surveillance photo of the man suspected in two break-ins at businesses in the city's Lincoln Park neighborhood.

Officers responded to a burglary alarm at Nothing Bundt Cakes in the 1900-block of North Clybourn Avenue around 1:25 a.m. on June 10. About 10 minutes later, a burglary alarm went off at Mo's Asian Bistro in the 1300-block of West Fullerton Avenue. Officers found the rear door was pried open. A source said the cash register was stolen, but that has not been confirmed by police.

At least one of the thefts was recorded on surveillance cameras.

Police released a surveillance image Tuesday from a camera inside Mo's Bistro. The photo shows an African American man in his 40s, who was wearing a camouflage jacket over a black hooded sweatshirt, a hat with the brim in the front and orange gloves. He is between 5 ft. 9 in. and 5 ft. 10 in. tall and weighs between 170-190 pounds.

"Came in looking for money, took some small change from my register," said Mo's Bistro owner David Mo.

Erika Young, who owns Nothing Bundt Cakes, said her security cameras captured footage of a man matching that description. She said the video shows he forced his way into the specialty bakery through the back door and rummaged around for money. But she said he didn't get away with anything.

Police said it's too early to link these break-ins to a rash of recent burglaries in the same neighborhood.

Last month, four restaurants were burglarized in the 2400- and 2500-blocks of North Clark Street and near Halsted Street and Wrightwood Avenue. Burglars smashed glass doors and took cash registers, but no one has been arrested.

Two Subways have recently been hit by armed robbers. In the latest one, just this past Monday, employees say two men pretending to buy some cookies pulled a gun on them, then took off with just over $100 in cash. Fortunately, no one was hurt and no customers were inside at the time.

Gustavo Rueda works at Amato's Pizzeria across the street.

"We try to talk to the other stores, try be friendly with them so we can help each other, because you never know," said Rueda.

Anyone who has information regarding the most recent break-ins should contact Area Central detectives at 312-747-8382.