Police on Friday night said they're looking for three people who forced their way into an 82-year-old restaurant owner's home, tied her up, and robbed her a day earlier.
Authorities said the woman was just leaving her home to walk to the dog when three people wearing masks forced her back into her house on the 2500 block of Marion Lane in Wilmette.
The robbers got away with jewelry and cash, police said.
Family members who live with the woman returned home about an hour later and were able to help. Neighbors, coincidentally, said they were working on a neighborhood call list at about the time of the incident after an unrelated robbery in January.
"I think that she's very lucky. She's a very kind woman," said neighbor Richard Tye, who had nothing but nice things to say about the family.
Customers at the family's Chicago restaurant, Great Seas, at 3254 W Lawrence Ave., were sympathetic after learning of the woman's ordeal.
"I think it's terrible. She's an extremely sweet woman. She's very kind to me and my family when we come in. She always gives toys to the kids and extra fortune cookies," said George Russom.
Police said they believe the family's business made them a target, a fact that Wilmette neighbors said is bittersweet.
"It's not comforting to know they were targeted, but it's more comforting to know our area is not being targeted," said Tye.
Detectives are following up on leads associated with this case. Anyone with information should call Det. Sgt. Michael McGarry at 847-920-3505.
