Thieves break into, try to break into 9 Highland park businesses in about 30 minutes: officials

HIIGHLAND PARK, Ill. (WLS) -- A group of thieves broke into or tried to break into nine north suburban businesses in about 30 minutes early Friday morning, Highland Park officials said.

The group of five people in a single vehicle tried to break into the businesses in search of cash in the burglaries and attempted burglaries, officials said.

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In each incident, the front door or window was broken, officials said.

Along Skokie Valley Road, the thieves broke windows and got a cash register at a nail salon.

Video from Hearing Health Center shows the thieves smashing the window. The only thing taken was a bowl of free candy.

"I don't understand what they wanted because nothing was really gone except my jar of candy that they grabbed and took," Hearing Health Center owner Ronna Fisher said.

In downtown Highland Park, Michael's Grill and Salad Bar was among those hit.

The thieves were in out in 30 seconds, and left without anything, according to the owner.

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"I walked up to the window shattered and glass everywhere," owner Ryan Gamperl said.

Other North Shore communities have experienced similar incidents, officials said.

Highland Park police have been in contact with the impacted businesses, and are working with regional law enforcement on the investigation.

Highland Park police and Deerfield police determined the suspect vehicle was stolen, and linked to a similar commercial burglary in Deerfield.

No one was injured in the break-ins, but board-up businesses were busy Friday.

The Highland Park Chamber of Commerce urge members to make sure camera and security are in good working order, and says those targeted were small businesses. Some had already dealt with disruptions after the Fourth of July sniper attack, and construction that made it more challenging for patrons to get around.

"We are now starting to see the traffic come back and seeing people come in the door, and now, to have things like this happen, it's frustrating," said Bruce Erickson, Highland Park Chamber of Commerce treasurer.

"I don't understand why they are doing this: Who is using cash these days? So, what they are looking for? Just the damage and the pain they are causing, all these businesses, when everybody is already hurting," said Lori Dekalo, Highland Park Chamber of Commerce president.

The mayor of Highland Park visited some of the businesses Friday.

"People need to leave Highland Park alone; come enjoy our restaurants. Enjoy our shops: the end," Mayor Nancy Rotering said.