A police officer makes a report near an SUV inside the Flee Club, following an overnight smash-and-grab burglary in the 2200 block of West Taylor Street on Oct. 25, 2023. According to the police report, a group of burglars crashed an SUV into the shoe and clothing store and fled the scene with the merchandise in several vehicles that were waiting.

A police officer makes a report near an SUV inside the Flee Club, following an overnight smash-and-grab burglary in the 2200 block of West Taylor Street on Oct. 25, 2023. According to the police report, a group of burglars crashed an SUV into the shoe and clothing store and fled the scene with the merchandise in several vehicles that were waiting. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune)

Photos: Smash-and-grab burglaries on the rise

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Smash-and-grab burglaries have been expanding beyond downtown. And in the past months, several small business owners in Chicago have been hit by multiple smash-and-grab burglaries involving cars, also called "crash-and-grabs," despite increased physical security such as shutters and riot glass for windows.

A police officer makes a report near an SUV inside the Flee Club, following an overnight smash-and-grab burglary in the 2200 block of West Taylor Street on Oct. 25, 2023. According to the police report, a group of burglars crashed an SUV into the shoe and clothing store and fled the scene with the merchandise in several vehicles that were waiting.

A police officer makes a report near an SUV inside the Flee Club, following an overnight smash-and-grab burglary in the 2200 block of West Taylor Street on Oct. 25, 2023. According to the police report, a group of burglars crashed an SUV into the shoe and clothing store and fled the scene with the merchandise in several vehicles that were waiting. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune)

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Darris Kelly, right, co-owner of the Flee Club, inspects the store following an overnight smash- and-grab burglary in the 2200 block of West Taylor Street on Oct. 25, 2023.

Darris Kelly, right, co-owner of the Flee Club, inspects the store following an overnight smash- and-grab burglary in the 2200 block of West Taylor Street on Oct. 25, 2023. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune)

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A tow truck driver prepares to remove an SUV from inside the Flee Club following a "crash-and-grab" burglary in the 2200 block of Chicago's West Taylor Street on Oct. 25, 2023. A group of burglars crashed an SUV into the shoe and clothing store and fled with merchandise.

A tow truck driver prepares to remove an SUV from inside the Flee Club following a "crash-and-grab" burglary in the 2200 block of Chicago's West Taylor Street on Oct. 25, 2023. A group of burglars crashed an SUV into the shoe and clothing store and fled with merchandise. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune)

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David Kim, right, owner of the clothing store SVRN, 171 N. Aberdeen St. in Chicago, talks as a security guard stands at the store entrance on Dec. 22, 2023, about his store being hit several times by crash-and-grab robbery crews. Most recently, a vehicle was used to smash through the entrance and thieves stole thousands of dollars worth of merchandise.

David Kim, right, owner of the clothing store SVRN, 171 N. Aberdeen St. in Chicago, talks as a security guard stands at the store entrance on Dec. 22, 2023, about his store being hit several times by crash-and-grab robbery crews. Most recently, a vehicle was used to smash through the entrance and thieves stole thousands of dollars worth of merchandise. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune)

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Customers shop at the clothing store SVRN, 171 N. Aberdeen St. in Chicago, on Dec. 22, 2023. The store has been hit by crash-and-grab robbery crews several times. Most recently, a vehicle was used to smash through the entrance and thieves stole thousands of dollars worth of merchandise.

Customers shop at the clothing store SVRN, 171 N. Aberdeen St. in Chicago, on Dec. 22, 2023. The store has been hit by crash-and-grab robbery crews several times. Most recently, a vehicle was used to smash through the entrance and thieves stole thousands of dollars worth of merchandise. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune)

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An SUV drove inside the Flee Club for an overnight smash-and-grab burglary in the 2200 block of West Taylor Street on Oct. 25, 2023.

An SUV drove inside the Flee Club for an overnight smash-and-grab burglary in the 2200 block of West Taylor Street on Oct. 25, 2023. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune)

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Flee Club co-owners Sabrian Sledge, left, and Darris Kelly, seen on Dec. 28, 2023, said that the sneaker boutique in the Tri-Taylor neighborhood was run out of its former location by looters in 2020 and got hit in October for the first time since a spree in 2021.

Flee Club co-owners Sabrian Sledge, left, and Darris Kelly, seen on Dec. 28, 2023, said that the sneaker boutique in the Tri-Taylor neighborhood was run out of its former location by looters in 2020 and got hit in October for the first time since a spree in 2021. (E. Jason Wambsgans/Chicago Tribune)

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An SUV drove into the Flee Club for an overnight smash-and-grab burglary in the 2200 block of West Taylor Street on Oct. 25, 2023. Several small businesses in Chicago have been hit by multiple "crash-and-grabs" in a short time span.

An SUV drove into the Flee Club for an overnight smash-and-grab burglary in the 2200 block of West Taylor Street on Oct. 25, 2023. Several small businesses in Chicago have been hit by multiple "crash-and-grabs" in a short time span. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune)

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