- Credibility:
GREEKTOWN — Greektown’s special service area group is working with the alderman and police to protect businesses after four were burglarized within hours of each other.
The burglaries happened 11 p.m. Monday-5 a.m. Tuesday in the 800 block of West Jackson Boulevard, according to police.
One restaurant had its front glass door broken, and a safe was pried open and an unknown amount of money stolen, said police spokeswoman officer Kellie Bartoli.
On the same block, another business had its glass door shattered. A safe inside was damaged, but nothing appeared to be missing, Bartoli said.
Two other burglaries took place, but information about those wasn’t available as of Wednesday morning.
Shards of glass could be seen Tuesday on the sidewalk along Jackson Boulevard between Halsted and Green streets.
Owners and managers of restaurants on the block declined to comment.
Credit: Mauricio Peña/ Block Club ChicagoIn a statement, the Greektown Special Service Area Commission said it is working with Ald. Walter Burnett Jr. (27th) and the Police Department to address the recent crimes and business concerns.
The commission said it is talking with the Police Department to have officers patrolling the beat more regularly.
“The neighborhood remains a safe place to visit. The recent late-night crimes do not represent who we are, and we will continue to work with local law enforcement on strategies to prevent this from happening in the future,” the commission said.
Greektown Special Service Area No. 16 recently approved funding to extend the hours when private security guards patrol on foot. It is also offering grants to Greektown property owners who install or upgrade security camera systems.
The commission said it plans on having more police and private festival security ahead of the return of Taste of Greektown Aug. 27-29.
“We are committed to ensuring Greektown remains one of the safest neighborhoods in Chicago,” the group said.
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