Businesses in Chicago have been experiencing a surge in burglaries, with commercial break-ins on the rise compared to residential incidents. Recent arrests have shed light on a prolific burglary crew known for using chains to rip doors off businesses or ramming stores with stolen vehicles.
Marquez “Smoke” Robinson, 25, and Keshawn Howze, 27, have been charged in connection with multiple burglaries linked to the same group of criminals. Chicago police have tied them to at least 23 break-ins, including four specific incidents that Robinson and Howze are accused of participating in.
Howze and his associates pulled off a major heist at Danny’s Buyback on East 103rd Street, where they used chains and a stolen Jeep to remove the front doors and make off with $150,000 worth of electronics. They struck again at Flee Club on West Taylor, stealing nearly $5,000 worth of clothing using the same method. Interestingly, the owner of Flee Club had previously been arrested for allegedly dealing in stolen merchandise.
Judge Shauna Boliker has released Howze on two counts of burglary as he awaits trial. Meanwhile, authorities executing a federal probation warrant at Robinson’s residence discovered incriminating evidence, including large pull chains, a hammer, a mallet, and a pry bar under his porch. Robinson was identified through video footage and phone records as one of the burglars involved in driving a stolen car through the front door of Armanetti Liquors on South Kedzie, where over $10,000 worth of liquor was stolen.
On the same day, Robinson and his crew targeted Buy Low Food & Liquor on West 87th Street, using chains attached to a stolen car to remove the doors and steal another $11,000 worth of alcohol. Judge James Murphy has ordered Robinson to be placed on electronic monitoring if he resolves his federal warrant.
The recent arrests highlight the ongoing issue of commercial burglaries in Chicago, as law enforcement continues to crack down on criminal groups responsible for these brazen thefts.
