Multiple suspects broke into a gun store in Winthrop Harbor, smashed all of the display cases and stole nearly 40 guns early Tuesday morning, police said.
The Winthrop Harbor Police Department responded around 12:33 a.m. Tuesday to The Outdoorsman, 221 Sheridan Road, for a report of a burglar alarm.
Officers arrived in two minutes and found the front door had been shattered, allowing entry into the store, Winthrop Harbor Police Detective Sgt. Christopher Willets said.
Officers requested assistance from the Zion Police Department and determined after searching the store that the offenders had left before police arrived.
Willets said that multiple offenders quickly entered the store and exited a few minutes later with the stolen guns. They fled in a dark-colored SUV, north on Sheridan Road towards Wisconsin.
Detectives from the Winthrop Harbor Police Department determined multiple display cases were broken into and approximately 39 firearms, including handguns and rifles, were stolen.
“Detectives continue to collect evidence, review video footage, and work closely with neighboring agencies and the US Department of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms. We will work diligently to identify and arrest the offenders,” Winthrop Harbor Police Chief Joel Brumlik said.
Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Chris Willets of the Winthrop Harbor Police Department at 847-872-8646 or Lake County Crime Stoppers at 847-662-2222.