Rockford Sun

Rockford businesses are taking precautions in case more looters damaged stores and businesses, as other business owners clean up the mess from previous nights.

“People ask where is it happening? Take your pick. It’s north, south, east, west, any business is fair game. These individuals are driving around throughout the city, trying to steal things that aren’t theirs,” Rockford Police Chief Dan O’Shea said at a news conference covered by My Stateline. 

Stores throughout Rockford are being targeted by looters, causing owners to board windows to prevent more damage. Many of these owners are still dealing with the stress and financial hardships from the COVID-19 pandemic and the looters are just giving them one more thing to worry about. 

“There has never been a place for absolute violence and opportunistic behavior of looting businesses and quite honestly businesses who have just went through some of the most devastating times of their entire lives due to the COVID-19 pandemic.” Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara said at the news briefing.

Keri Asevedo, executive director for Rockford Habitat for Humanity, told My Stateline the organization was feeling pressure from the looters to postpone reopening. 

“Our organization believes in lifting people up and not holding them down, and so we stand strong together,” Asevedo told My Stateline. “We felt that it was in the best interest of our staff, our volunteers, our customers and our donors to postpone our opening for one week to ensure their safety and the safety of our community. We stand with organizations that are fighting for peace and equality.”

Rockford Police are also encouraging local businesses to take precautions and protect their stores. 

"We advise all residents and business owners to be cautious and to report any suspicious activity or criminal acts to authorities," the department said on social media. "We will continue to work to maintain order in our city and provide safety for our residents."