Break-in at Wine Cafe in Wilmington damages video gaming terminals

The Wilmington Police Department is investigating a break-in at the Wine Cafe over the weekend.

The incident was reported to police early on Saturday, Oct. 1. The break-in took place overnight, with the burglars spending several hours inside the establishment.

“The exterior had been compromised and entry was gained through a side wall,” Police Chief Joe Mitchell said. “We are running down some leads and we will be working with the Will County State’s Attorney’s office on the investigation.”

Mitchell said that security cameras inside the Wine Cafe showed an individual wearing a light colored hoodie inside the business. The burglar broke into the businesses’ video gaming machines during their time inside the cafe. Those machines were rendered no longer usable, and will be replaced by the business.

The break-in is one of several that have recently been reported to the WPD.

To help owners protect their businesses, Mitchell has organized a special meeting for this week.

“We’ll be having a meeting with all business owners in town,” the chief added, noting that local owners are invited to participate in the meeting on Thursday, Oct. 6, at City Hall at noon.

“We want to give tips to help with prevention measures and what to look out for,” the chief continued. “We’re going to give them a heads up on how to better harden their locations.”

In the meantime, business owners are advised to utilize the following steps to help prevent crime in and around their establishments:

• Leave lights on overnight to make it easier for police officers to see into buildings while on patrol.

• Check that any cameras and security alarms are functioning correctly, and consider adding them if you do not have any.

• If you see something, say something. Report suspicious activity to the police department.

Mitchell added that while it is an active investigation, the department is tracking some “viable leads” to a suspect or suspects.

“We are on this, we’ll do everything we can to bring these people to justice,” he said. “We take it seriously and we take it personally.”

Anyone with information can contact the Wilmington Police Department at 476-2813.

Crime prevention tips can also be found on the department’s website, www.wilmington-police.com.