
A Burglary in Third Lake Sends a Clear Message
In August 2025, several small businesses in Third Lake, Illinois were broken into during a late-night burglary spree. Thieves smashed storefront glass, stole a cash register, and even took ice cream from a local European grocery shop.
For business owners in “quiet” communities, this was a wake-up call: no town is too safe for crime.
ABC7 Chicago – “Small Business Burglary Spree Caught on Video in North Suburbs”
This in-depth local coverage outlines how multiple storefronts, including European Food & Gifts, were burglarized in Third Lake during the overnight hours. It includes direct quotes from the shop owner and discusses community impact and surveillance footage. ABC7 Chicago
Why Small Businesses Are Easy Targets
Smash-and-grab crimes happen in seconds. Criminals look for:
- Glass doors or windows without reinforcement
- Stores with no monitored alarms
- Dark or poorly lit entryways
- Businesses that appear unguarded after hours
The result? Expensive repairs, lost merchandise, insurance claims, and shaken customer confidence.
How Sentry Security Helps Prevent Break-Ins
At Sentry Security, we specialize in protecting small and mid-sized businesses across Illinois. Our systems combine deterrence, detection, and rapid response—exactly what’s needed to prevent burglaries like those in Third Lake.
Intrusion Detection That Responds Instantly
- Our intrusion detection solutions sense forced entries and trigger immediate alerts, helping stop criminals before major damage occurs.
Smart Video Surveillance with Analytics
- Our video and intercom systems do more than record—they use AI to detect suspicious movement, send mobile alerts, and even deter intruders with two-way audio.
Stronger Door & Entry Controls
- Our access control solutions protect the most vulnerable point of any store—the entryway. With programmable locks and video access, owners can control and monitor who enters, even after hours.

The ROI of Smart Security
The cost of repairing broken glass, replacing stolen goods, and lost business often exceeds the price of proactive protection. Investing in security isn’t an expense—it’s insurance against future loss.
If the Third Lake stores had stronger entry systems, active surveillance, and professional monitoring, the outcome could have been very different.
Don’t Wait Until It Happens to You
Whether you run a retail shop, restaurant, or office, security must be a priority. Sentry Security designs scalable solutions to fit your needs and budget.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation:
847.353.7200 | service@sentrysecurity.com
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