Burglars hit 2 Old Town businesses on same street

Police investigating break-ins at Old Town Pub and Winnie's on North Wells Street

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Two businesses located on the same block of North Wells Street in Chicago's Old Town neighborhood were broken into early Tuesday morning. At around 4:15 a.m., two men broke the windows of Old Town Pub and fled in a gray SUV, though it's unclear if anything was stolen. Around the same time, a group of at least three people broke into Winnie's, smashing the front window, taking the cash register, and driving off in a silver SUV. No arrests have been made, and Area Three detectives are investigating both burglaries.

Why it matters

Burglaries and property crimes have been an ongoing issue in Chicago's Old Town neighborhood, which is known for its vibrant dining and nightlife scene. These latest incidents raise concerns about the safety and security of local businesses, especially as they work to recover from the economic impacts of the pandemic.

The details

According to the police, the first break-in occurred at Old Town Pub, where two men smashed the windows and fled northbound in a gray SUV. It's unclear if anything was stolen from the bar. Around the same time, a group of at least three people broke into Winnie's, also on North Wells Street, by shattering the front window, taking the cash register, and driving off in a silver SUV.

  • The break-ins occurred around 4:15 a.m. on Tuesday, February 24, 2026.

The players

Old Town Pub

A bar located in the 1300 block of North Wells Street in Chicago's Old Town neighborhood.

Winnie's

A business located in the 1400 block of North Wells Street in Chicago's Old Town neighborhood.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Area Three detectives are investigating both burglaries, and police are searching for the suspects and any potential leads.

The takeaway

These break-ins underscore the ongoing challenges facing small businesses in Chicago's Old Town neighborhood, which has seen a rise in property crimes in recent years. Local authorities will need to work closely with the community to enhance security measures and deter future incidents, ensuring the safety and viability of this vibrant commercial district.