Mayor Johnson Tours Chatham Amid Business Break-ins

Mayor Brandon Johnson visited local businesses following a wave of property crimes affecting corridors across Chicago.

Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Openings & Closings

Mayor Johnson Tours Chatham Amid Business Break-ins

Live Poll

Do you feel local business owners are adequately supported by city officials during crime waves?

Mayor Brandon Johnson toured the 75th Street business corridor in Chatham on Friday to address concerns regarding recent burglary sprees. The visit follows a surge of property damage that hit 23 businesses across several neighborhoods last week.

Why it matters

The mayor is prioritizing support for small businesses and economic development in response to rising commercial crime. The city is currently collaborating with police to implement new strategies aimed at curbing these robberies and burglaries.

A 30-day overnight security pilot program is currently underway on the 75th Street corridor. This initiative follows reports of break-ins at local establishments, including Nadia's Beauty Salon and Brown Sugar Bakery.

The players

Brandon Johnson

Brandon Johnson serves as the Mayor of Chicago and is currently focused on economic development and public safety initiatives.

E'Clat Security Group

E'Clat Security Group is a private firm currently providing overnight protection services for businesses on the 75th Street corridor.

The details

City officials are working with police leadership to develop a comprehensive plan to reduce commercial break-ins that have impacted businesses in neighborhoods including Portage Park, Avondale, Logan Square, and Wicker Park. To bolster local safety, the E'Clat Security Group has been contracted to provide overnight monitoring services for businesses along 75th Street.

August 2026: Brown Sugar Bakery experienced a break-in.
October 5, 2026: Nadia's Beauty Salon was broken into.
Week of October 12, 2026: 23 businesses suffered property damage.
October 16, 2026: Mayor Brandon Johnson visited the Chatham corridor.

Market Landscape

The current focus on commercial security in Chicago contrasts with the 2025 Chicago homicide rate, which reached its lowest point in 60 years. The rise in property crimes marks a clear departure from the city's recent downward trend in violent crime metrics.

Business owners in targeted corridors may see increased overnight security presence as the city evaluates its 30-day pilot program. Shoppers should remain aware of potential access changes at local businesses while these security measures are in effect.

The takeaway

Local business owners are encouraged to coordinate with community security initiatives to protect their storefronts from ongoing theft. Mayor Johnson continues to link these public safety measures to the broader goal of fostering sustainable economic growth in city neighborhoods.