A string of smash-and-grab burglaries has been terrorizing the south suburbs — and the most recent hits are targeting more rural areas of Will County.
On June 2, Lucky Linda’s in Crete, Thirsty Turtle in Beecher, and Frankie’s “Touch of Italy” Pizzeria in Monee were all burglarized in the early morning hours between 4 and 5 a.m.
Thanks to extensive video surveillance at the businesses, police were able to determine the exact time of the crime, how they gained entry, what they did once inside, and how long the burglaries lasted.
In each incident, the front glass or door was shattered, giving the thieves access. Once they gained entry, thieves went straight to the gaming machines. They didn’t care about the cash register or booze— it was in, sledgehammer the gaming machines, cash boxes located, and out — all within a few minutes.
“The alarm went off, I got the text, saw it happening live, the alarm company sent help, and I called 911. The cops were there very fast,” business owner Mike Hurley said. He said police responded within minutes of the 911 call.
Hurley and his wife, DeeDee, own the Thirsty Turtle bar, as well as the coffee shop and ice cream parlor next door. Though the Thirsty Turtle just opened in 2024, Hurley’s parents owned a bar in Kankakee, and DeeDee was a longtime bartender at another bar; this was the first break-in incident either had experienced in the bar business.
“It was terrible, you feel like you’re violated. They had no regard for anyone’s personal property, let alone the business,” Hurley added.
Despite the shock of the break-in, Hurley said they were able to open the same day after getting the broken window boarded up and debris from the broken machines cleaned. The company that owns the gaming machines will replace them.
Beecher Police estimated the thieves got away with approximately $3,000 in cash. Extensive damage to the building, including the window, door, and machines, will raise the total losses from the burglary. The Thirsty Turtle was the only business hit in Beecher to date.
Police Chief John Galvin was responsive to inquiries but advised that he was limited in what he could divulge to avoid jeopardizing the multi-jurisdictional investigation.
Like others, Hurley intends to stay vigilant and increase security measures, though what he had in place worked as expected.
Police are encouraging business owners to ensure their security surveillance and alarm systems are functioning, as was the case in the Thirsty Turtle incident, and to report any suspicious activity immediately to police.
This string of break-ins came just a week after three Crete businesses, KuKu Charlie’s, Jemma’s, and Lacey’s, were all hit in the early morning hours on May 28.
The rash of burglaries targeting businesses with gaming machines has been occurring throughout the south suburbs for the past couple of years.
“What we have noticed is that these crews appear to be organized and have a knowledge of the general area where they are committing crimes. There is one common target of these burglary crews,” Monee Police Detective Sergeant Daniel DePaolo said.
DePaolo explained that in the past, the crews were targeting alcohol, tobacco, lottery tickets, or cash drawers. Now, no matter the type of business, they’re after one thing: the cash boxes inside the gaming machines.
Arrests had been made after other similar burglaries, but still, the crimes persist. In multiple cases, repeat offenders are arrested, released, and go on to commit additional crimes of a similar nature.
“Our incidents are tied to multiple jurisdictions in the counties of Cook and Will, all of which had burglaries to businesses on the same morning. Investigators continue to review and analyze evidence and are working closely with other agencies that had similar burglaries during the same morning,” DePaolo said, noting he couldn’t go into too much detail as it was an active investigation.
“We encourage all businesses in the Village of Monee to take the necessary measures in protecting their properties. We also encourage business owners to ensure that surveillance and alarm systems are functioning properly, and to report suspicious activity immediately,” DePaolo added.
As for what happens next, both Monee and Beecher police say they’ve increased staffing, are stepping up patrols, especially during early-morning and late-night shifts, and are making sure their officers are in and around commercial areas in hopes of deterring future incidents.
“Beecher PD would appreciate the immediate reporting of any suspicious vehicles and/or subjects. Should the public and/or business owners have any video footage or further information relevant to the incident, they are asked to contact the Beecher Police Department, 708-946-6388,” Beecher Police Chief John Galvin urged.
A request for comment to Crete Police was not returned at the time of publication.