Red Star Liquor and Deli Targeted Five Times in One Week
CHICAGO (WLS) — The owner and employees of Red Star Liquor and Deli, located on New York’s northwest side, are reeling after their store was robbed five times in just one week earlier this month. The spree of thefts has left the shelves in the tequila section completely empty, and Chicago police are actively investigating the incidents.
ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch
Long-standing Business Faces Unprecedented Crime Wave
Red Star Liquor and Deli, situated in the 2700 block of North Milwaukee Avenue in Logan Square, has been a staple in the community for over 30 years. The recent surge in thefts has stunned both the store’s owner and its employees.
“They pretty much come with bags,” said Issam Hani, the shop owner. He described the thieves, saying, “They have masks. There are usually four of them. One time they brought a woman with them with a stroller. There was no child in the stroller, but they would come themselves to help me with all my alcoholic drinks. They would put some in the stroller, They put others in their bags.”
Heightened Security Measures Implemented
In response to the repeated robberies, private security has been assigned to guard Red Star Liquor and Deli. Hani has instructed his employees not to interfere with the thieves, prioritizing their safety over the protection of the merchandise.
Calls for Increased Police Patrols
Hani is calling for more police patrols in the area to deter further criminal activity. Despite the heightened security, no arrests have been made yet as the investigation continues.
Impact on the Community
The string of robberies at Red Star Liquor and Deli has not only affected the store’s inventory but has also shaken the sense of security in the Logan Square community. Long-time customers and residents are concerned about the increasing crime rate and are hoping for a swift resolution.
See also | Cicero liquor store employee shot and killed during robbery identified, authorities say
Interactive Safety Tracker Track crime and safety in your neighborhood
Future Steps and Community Support
As the investigation progresses, Red Star Liquor and Deli is focusing on recovery and rebuilding trust with its customers. Community support is crucial during this time, and many residents have expressed their solidarity with the store’s employees and owner.
Hani and his team remain hopeful that the perpetrators will be caught soon and that the increased security measures will prevent further incidents.
All rights reserved to WLS-TV © 2024.
