By: Richard L. Smith
A series of smash-and-grab burglaries targeted multiple Montclair businesses over the weekend, prompting an investigation by local police.
Authorities responded to four separate incidents between February 28 and March 2, all involving forced entry and stolen cash. 
The first break-in occurred at *The Chicken and Shawarma* on Bloomfield Avenue early Friday morning.
A passerby noticed the restaurant’s shattered front glass door and alerted authorities. Surveillance footage revealed a suspect—dressed in a black puffy jacket, black pants, black sneakers, and a mask—breaking in around 5:45 a.m.
The individual fled with the cash register, which contained approximately $210.
On Sunday, officers were called to Marcel Bakery and Kitchen on Valley Road after an employee arrived at 5:00 a.m. to find the front door pried open with a crowbar.
The burglar made off with a cash drawer holding $150.
Later that day, police responded to Juniper Yoga and Fitness on Bellevue Avenue, where an attempted break-in was reported.
Although the front door was damaged, the deadbolt remained intact, and the suspect was unable to enter.
The final incident took place at Toro Sushi in Upper Montclair Plaza. The restaurant's front glass door was shattered, and between $200 and $300 was stolen from the cash drawer.
Montclair police have identified a person of interest in connection with the burglaries and are urging anyone with information to come forward.
Detective Joseph Juliano can be contacted at (973) 509-4724.