Smash-and-grab burglar hits Loop Sprint store, witnesses say

CHICAGO (WLS) -- The front door of a cell phone store was shattered in Chicago's Loop early Friday morning. Police said this incident is the latest in a string of burglaries in the area.

Someone broke into the Sprint store near East Randolph and North State streets around 12:30 a.m., police said. Witnesses said they saw a man carrying a backpack full of phones run out of the store.

Last week, the AT&T store on the same block was also hit in the same manner: someone smashed the front door and witnesses said they saw a man run out with a full backpack.

Police asked patrons and owners of restaurants, shops and business offices nearby to be alert.

Burglars have targeted five businesses in the area in the last three days. Investigators have not yet said if all of the incidents were connected.