Masked thieves use sledgehammer to steal cash from game machines at lounge
**Masked Thieves Smash Gaming Machines in Dolton Bar, Steal Cash**
DOLTON, Illinois (WBBM) — Masked thieves used sledgehammers to break into Lucky Star Entertainment, a bar and lounge on Sibley Boulevard, early Wednesday morning. Surveillance video captured the suspects, dressed in dark clothing and ski masks, as they smashed gaming machines and stole cash.
The owner, Mike Edmund, revealed this is the third time the establishment has been targeted. “They got one cash box right here,” Edmund said. “They took this cash box out, and they couldn’t get this one out but they were right at it. But look at this machine; it was terrible.”
Police believe three or four men shattered the front door with sledgehammers before vandalizing the machines inside. Edmund noted the damage was severe and expects the lounge to remain closed for several days. “This is the damage that they did. The machines torn up. Looks like they tried to get into the ATM. I’m not sure, but they tore up one, two, three machines,” he explained.
Dolton police were alerted by a triggered burglar alarm. Upon arrival, officers saw the suspects fleeing in a black Dodge Challenger with no visible registration. A brief chase ensued, but the pursuit was called off due to the suspects’ excessive speed.
Edmund has shared the burglary video publicly, hoping someone will recognize the suspects. Notably, one man wore bright blue pants and white Nike sneakers. The break-in happened just hours before the lounge’s regularly scheduled twice-weekly cash pickup.
Retired Chicago police deputy superintendent Anthony Riccio weighed in on the incident, stating, “Definitely not an accident. Definitely not a coincidence.” Riccio believes the thieves planned the attack carefully and had inside knowledge of the business. “These guys knew those machines would be loaded with cash. They knew there were several days’ worth of money inside. The timing was all about what they knew, and they knew that was the night to hit,” he said.
Riccio added that such thefts occur because they are both lucrative and easy, which likely explains why Lucky Star Entertainment has been targeted repeatedly.
If you have any information about the incident or the suspects, please contact Dolton Police.
© The-CNN-Wire™
https://wsvn.com/news/us-world/masked-thieves-use-sledgehammer-to-steal-cash-from-game-machines-at-lounge/
You may also like
Leave a Reply