Two stores were hit around 3:30 a.m. in the 2200 block of North Lincoln Avenue in Lincoln Park on Monday, according to Chicago police.
In both cases, police said the suspects broke either a glass window or a glass door to gain access into the business.
Surveillance cameras captured the moment several burglars break the glass at "Lincoln Park Smoke and Vape."
Video shows burglars hit Lincoln Park Smoke and Vape
They used sledgehammers to get inside, steal the cash register and ransack the store.
"I was very confused, but the glass was breaking, and it was very loud and I was pretty scared," said the neighbor who called 911.
Neighbor records as burglars break into Lincoln Park vape shop
An employee who didn't want to share his identity said it will cost thousands of dollars to fix again.
"We've got a couple of stores in the city," the employee said. "Every store has the same story. So, I don't think anything is going to change but we hope for the best."
Burglars caught on camera breaking into Lincoln Park Smoke and Vape
Within a few minutes, thieves targeted Mr. Vape & Smoke just down the block. It's the second break in at that shop in less than a week...
Many Lincoln Park residents said they are fed up after seeing this happen too often.
"It's kind of becoming the expectation," neighbor Chip Danby said. "That this is going to happen every once in a while, which is unfortunate."
"It's not the first business in the neighborhood," neighbor Carmela Moretti said. "I hope they catch these guys. It's terrible."
In one of the break-ins, police said the suspects got away in a silver and a black sedan.
READ MORE | Chicago police investigating smash-and-grab burglary at Mr. Vape and Smoke Shop in Lincoln Park | VIDEO
No one is in custody in any of the incidents. Area detectives are investigating.
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