Over the past few years, cities in Illinois – particularly Chicago – have seen an increase in “crash-and-grab” and “smash-and-grab” burglaries and thefts. A crash-and-grab occurs when people in a vehicle crash into a store to gain access and then grab as much money and merchandise as possible. Smash-and-grab crimes occur when people smash a window or door to gain access to the business, grabbing all the merchandise and money they can.
Recently, the Chicago police investigated a “crash-and-grab burglary at a South Loop Game Stop store. Police said the suspects crashed a Jeep SUV into the store and began stealing merchandise, fleeing in the Jeep, an Acura SUV, and a Dodge vehicle. If you have been charged with one of these smash-and-grab or crash-and-grab burglaries, the best thing you can do is to speak to a knowledgeable Joliet, IL criminal defense lawyer.