Police investigate small business burglaries in Third Lake, Illinois; theft at European Food & Gifts caught on surveillance video
Share this @internewscast.com

THIRD LAKE, Ill. (WLS) — An overnight crime spree in the north suburbs was quite a devastating blow to some small shops in the area.

ABC7 reported that several businesses in Third Lake, Illinois, experienced break-ins early Saturday morning. One of the business owners expressed surprise at how swiftly the incidents occurred.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

Surveillance video showed the moment a group of masked offenders smash their way through the entrance of a European food and gift shop in Third Lake.

The owners of the business got a call from police early Saturday morning and saw the damage when they arrived.

Absolutely a quiet nice town, and you don’t think about it. We feel very safe.

Linas Tomaitis, European Food & Gifts owner

It’s a setback for the shop that has only been open for about a year and a half.

Linas Tomaitis, the owner of European Food & Gifts, shared, “As a small business owner in this area, every loss matters. We put in long hours and work hard, so experiencing something like this is both frustrating and disheartening.”

Tomaitis said he usually doesn’t have to think twice about protecting his shop in Third Lake as he says it’s a friendly community with little crime.

“Absolutely a quiet nice town, and you don’t think about it,” Tomaitis said. “We feel very safe.”

He did find some laughter in all of this when he realized what the offenders took from his store.

“They took ice cream and cash… they took the cash register together,” Tomaitis said.

The owners are hoping the video may help police find the offenders.

No one was in custody as local police continue to investigate.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Russian spy ship detected just miles from Hawaii coastline prompts US Coast Guard response

US Coast Guard Responds to Russian Spy Ship Spotted Near Hawaii Coast

The United States Coast Guard reported on Thursday that it detected a…
Government slowly reopens after 43-day shutdown but travel snags linger

Government Gradually Resumes Operations Following 43-Day Shutdown; Travel Challenges Persist

The federal government has begun a gradual reopening process after President Trump…
JSO: Man arrested for crash that killed Jacksonville teacher and his son

Tragic Jacksonville Crash: Man Arrested for Fatal Accident Claiming Beloved Teacher and Son

Authorities report that the individual involved had a blood alcohol concentration exceeding…
With shutdown over, Senate focus turns to upcoming fight on health care

Senate Shifts Attention to Upcoming Health Care Debate Post-Shutdown

Washington — With the recent government shutdown now concluded, the Senate’s attention…
Random blue city stabbing death fuels new bail bill as ‘activists’ ripped for lack of crime crackdown: expert

WATCH: Video Captures Charlotte Train Stabbing Suspect Moments Before Incident and Arrest

Note: The following article includes details of violence that some readers may…
ICE and Florida arrest 230 criminal illegal aliens in 10-day operation

Florida and ICE Collaborate to Detain 230 Criminal Undocumented Immigrants in Just 10 Days

In a concerted effort to crack down on criminal activities, law enforcement…
Sentencing for father who pleaded guilty to running over, killing 8-month-old son postponed

Father’s Sentencing Delayed in Tragic Case Involving 8-Month-Old Son’s Death

During the scheduled sentencing hearing, both the prosecution and defense presented crucial…
Former Marine Bryan Frederick Jennings who raped, killed 6-year-old Rebecca Kunash set for execution in Florida

Justice Served: Florida Prepares to Execute Ex-Marine for Heinous Crime Against 6-Year-Old Rebecca Kunash

A former Marine, convicted of a heinous crime over 40 years ago,…
Graphic anti-ICE imagery at University of Wisconsin shows agent with bullet in head: 'Speak their language'

Shocking Anti-ICE Imagery Sparks Controversy at University of Wisconsin: A Call to ‘Speak Their Language

Authorities at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have launched an investigation into an…
Republican governor spares life of death row inmate in final hours before execution

Republican Governor Grants Last-Minute Clemency to Death Row Inmate, Halting Execution

In a dramatic turn of events, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt granted clemency…
Hot Takes: Goodbye 'Schumer Shutdown,' Replaced by Democrats' Meltdown

Democrats’ Dilemma: From ‘Schumer Shutdown’ to Political Meltdown – What It Means for the Future

In a decisive move on Wednesday, the House of Representatives voted to…
Repeat offender terrorizes sorority with break-in to steal underwear, spy on women in shower: police

Serial Intruder Targets Sorority House: Underwear Theft & Invasive Surveillance Spark Campus Security Concerns

A 45-year-old man from the Bay Area, known for his extensive criminal…