Oak Lawn police have announced another arrest in a spree of video gaming terminal (VGT) thefts at local businesses.
Sincere Lanier, 22, of Calumet Park, is facing two felony burglary counts in connection with multiple VGT thefts. The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office has charged Lanier with additional felony charges of criminal damage to property, theft, and burglary-related crimes.
Neighboring police departments in Worth, Summit, and Posen have also charged Lanier in connection with VGTS burglaries.
According to Oak Lawn police, the suspected thefts occurred in March.
On March 24, at approximately 4:45 a.m., Oak Lawn responded to a burglary in progress at Stella’s Place, a gaming café located in the 8700 block of S. Ridgeland Ave. Several males, purportedly armed with sledgehammers, forced their way into the company. According to authorities, while inside, the group targeted the VGTs and stole money, inflicting substantial damage to several machines.
Officers discovered the fleeing vehicle, but the culprits managed to elude capture, according to authorities.
Days later, on March 29, officers responded to a break-in at Avenue Flower Shop and Wine Bar. According to authorities, the break-in was similar to previous events in the neighborhood, in which criminals damaged multiple VGT machines and stole cash.
Oak Lawn police say their investigation into the rash of burglaries is ongoing.
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