Restaurants Targeted in Overnight Burglary Pattern Across Waukegan

WAUKEGAN, IL — Police are working to identify multiple suspects following a string of overnight burglaries targeting restaurants across Waukegan, where cash was stolen in a series of coordinated break-ins in recent days. The Waukegan Police Department confirmed Tuesday that it is aware of the pattern of burglaries affecting local businesses, noting that similar incidents have also been reported in other parts of Lake County.

Waukegan Police Chief Edgar Navarro said detectives are actively investigating the incidents and pursuing leads. “Detectives are working around the clock to identify and apprehend every individual involved in these crimes,” Navarro said. “By working together, we will ensure our city remains safe.” Authorities have not released a complete list of affected businesses or a full timeline of the incidents.

WSRL Pulse Radio 96.1 has confirmed several restaurants impacted in the burglary pattern, including Sunset Chicken at 2114 North Green Bay Road, which was burglarized around 2:45 a.m. Sunday, La Canoa at 50 South Green Bay Road, and Juan Chuck Wagon Restaurant at 1522 Grand Avenue. The burglary at Juan Chuck Wagon occurred around 3:45 a.m. Tuesday, where suspects stole the cash register. At La Canoa, owner Fernando Bahena said approximately $2,300 in cash was taken after suspects went directly to the register. Bahena noted the money had been mistakenly left in the register prior to closing.

Investigators say suspects forced entry into the businesses by smashing the front glass doors with bricks, a method used consistently across multiple locations. Surveillance footage from the incidents provides additional detail. Video from Juan Chuck Wagon shows a single suspect forcing entry and immediately running to the cash register, ripping it from the counter. Footage from Sunset Chicken shows multiple suspects involved in that burglary. Authorities have not confirmed whether all incidents are connected or if the same suspects are responsible.

The burglaries appear to follow a clear pattern, targeting restaurants along major corridors such as Green Bay Road and Grand Avenue and occurring during late-night and early morning hours, typically between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m. In each case, suspects appear to focus on cash registers immediately upon entry. The consistency in timing, method, and targets suggests a deliberate and coordinated effort rather than isolated incidents.

Police are urging anyone with information to come forward. Residents can contact the Waukegan Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division at 847-599-2528 or submit anonymous tips by text by sending the keyword WPDTIP followed by the tip to 847411. The investigation remains ongoing, and officials say additional details may be released as more information becomes available.