Burglars use vehicle in smash-and-grab Aurora theft

AURORA, Ill. (WLS) -- The Salvatore Ferragamo store in Aurora remained closed Wednesday as employees cleaned up after burglars used a vehicle to ram through the front door of the store, officials said.

PHOTOS: Vehicle used in Aurora burglary

The thieves made off with about $40,000 in merchandise, mostly purses and luggage, and caused $20,000 worth of damage.

The smash-and-grab theft happened about 4:30 a.m. Tuesday at the store, located at the Chicago Premium Outlets Mall in the 1600-block of Premium Outlets Blvd.

"That's bold. That's rather bold, that's the way I look at it," said Mary Howard, a shopper.

Aurora Police located a Dodge Grand Caravan with heavy front end damage and several purses lying outside the vehicle. Officers then found the store's exterior smashed in with tire prints leading into the business.

At least four offenders can be seen on security cameras loading store merchandise into the van.

"At least no one was here working or in the store to get hurt," said Amanda Trashani, a shopper.

Police say a security guard saw the parked van accompanied by a dark-colored sedan. Investigators said they believe this is the vehicle the burglars used to escape.