9 Evanston Storefronts Hit In Central Street Burglary Spree

EVANSTON, IL — Evanston police are investigating a series of burglaries and property damage that affected nine businesses along Central Street early Thursday morning.

At about 4 a.m. on Nov. 12, officers responded to reports of burglar alarms and broken storefront windows in the 1600-1900 blocks of Central Street. According to Evanston police, all nine businesses reported glass damage. Several businesses also reported thefts, including cash and a cash register.

Police identified the businesses as Mustard’s Last Stand in the 1600 block of Central Street, The Spot, Preston’s Flowers and Hewn Bakery in the 1700 block, and Pinto Thai, Bluestone, Christian Science Reading Room, Custom Eyes and Spice House in the 1900 block.

Evanston detectives are reviewing surveillance footage and investigating a possible link to similar incidents in Wilmette, police said. Evanston police reported that no one was in custody in connection with the incidents, and no arrests had been made as of the department's update.

Police said the crimes follow a pattern seen in other regional communities, with a group carrying out a high volume of business burglaries in a short period. In those cases, offenders break through windows or glass doors and spend only a limited time inside searching for cash or other valuables, according to police.

The damage and reported thefts affected a stretch of Central Street that includes restaurants, shops and service businesses. Police did not release any suspect information in the update provided.

Anyone with information about the incidents is asked to contact the Evanston Police Department at 847-866-5000. Tips may also be submitted by texting CRIMES to 275637 and beginning the message with EPDTIP.