Champaign, IL – A wave of daring burglaries has hit the Champaign region, leaving local businesses counting their losses as thieves systematically target gaming machines for ill-gotten gains.
Champaign County Sheriff’s Office and Vermilion County Sheriff’s Office are joining forces to unmask the culprits responsible for this rash of criminal activity.
The crime spree began on August 21st, 2023, when the Champaign County Sheriff’s deputies responded to an alarm at 302 West Lincoln Street in Ogden, the site of Buckley’s Gaming Cafe. The incident unfolded at approximately 4:03 A.M., with deputies discovering signs of forced entry and a gaming machine brutally tampered with. Video evidence collected during the investigation sheds light on the audacious thieves behind this operation.
A week later, on August 28th, 2023, the Vermilion County Sheriff’s Office was called to the scene of another burglary, this time at 325 West State Street in Potomac, home to LOLAS Bar & Grill. Deputies arrived at around 3:30 A.M. to find yet another forced entry and another gaming machine targeted by these relentless criminals. Their investigative efforts mirrored those in Champaign County, with video footage providing vital clues.
Authorities suspect a connection between these two incidents and believe they are dealing with the same individuals. The question that now looms is, who are these serial gaming machine thieves?
In a bid to crack the case wide open, both the Champaign County Sheriff’s Office and the Vermilion County Sheriff’s Office are enlisting the help of the community. They are urging the public to assist in identifying the suspects captured on camera.
If you possess any information regarding these crimes or have spotted anything suspicious in the Champaign region, your cooperation is vital. Reach out to Crime Stoppers at 217-373-TIPS or visit 373tips.com to share your insights. You can also utilize the P3 Tips mobile app or submit a tip via the Champaign County Sheriff’s Office Mobile App. Rest assured, tipsters remain entirely anonymous when contacting Crime Stoppers.
