A couple from the southwestern United States were sleeping at home when they were awakened by a call informing them that their business had been broken into.

Owners Ayesha and Sunny Khan said they received a call from their security company around 3 a.m. Thursday telling them the alarm had gone off at their store, New Quick Market, 8301 S. Kedzie Ave. in the Ashburn neighborhood.

The couple called the police before jumping into their car and rushing to the store.

When they arrived, Ayesha Khan says they were shocked but not surprised at the damage they found. The front entrance was smashed and glass and cigarettes were strewn across the parking lot. Inside, the cash register was broken and their merchandise was scattered on the floor.

“This is not the first time something like this has happened,” said Ayesha Khan. “During the COVID pandemic, our store was looted, and a few months ago there was a break-in. We had just finished repairing the things that were broken last time, and now it’s happened again.”

Ayesha Khan said they had to replace the front door and even install security bars on doors and windows.

Video footage showed a group of men jumping out of two vehicles and attaching them to the gate to free it. The perpetrators then smashed down the entrance doors and entered the store.

They took the ATM, money from the cash register and bottles of liquor before they left.

The exact amount of money stolen is not yet known, Chicago police said.

“They ripped out the ATM with their cars,” said Ayesha Khan. “It was bolted to the ground.”

The couple said they do not know why their business continues to be the target of attacks, but they are doing what they can to stay open.

“This business pays our bills,” said Ayesha Khan. “My family makes a living from it. We have to stay open. We have no other choice. In the meantime, we have installed some temporary doors. That will get us by until we get the brand new doors.”

Ayesha Khan said they had handed over the surveillance video to the police, but she had no hope that those responsible would be found.

“Every time it happens, they collect the information, but nothing ever happens,” she said.

The couple is frustrated and wants the city government to develop a plan to protect small business owners from crime.

“The city has to find a way to stop this because it’s affecting small business owners who are just trying to survive,” Ayesha Khan said. “If this continues, I don’t know how we’re going to stay in business. There has to be a plan.”

“Until something can be done, we will continue to serve our community.”

According to police, the suspects were believed to be driving a black Jeep Cherokee and a black Lexus.

No arrests were made.