Libertyville gun shop plans to increase security after break-in

A Libertyville gun store plans to increase its security measures following an early Tuesday morning attempted burglary.

Police said a pickup truck backed into and smashed the front windows of Just Target Guns, 334 W. Peterson Road, at about 4:30 a.m. in an attempt to get at items inside.

But Lane Lebrun, co-owner of the gun store, said the guns were stored in a walk-in, bank-style safe, and the security system inside sent the suspect running away.

"You can see on the video they were very disappointed as they left," Lebrun said. "With everything going on nowadays, this isn't unique."

The suspect drove away, only to return a short time later to steal cases of ammunition, police said.

Lebrun said he and his staff plan to upgrade the store's security, perhaps installing parking bumpers in front of the store to prevent a vehicle from smashing through again. The store has 16 cameras, from which police examined surveillance footage Tuesday.

"I really didn't expect it to happen up here in Libertyville," he said. "God's telling us maybe we just gotta amp it up a little bit."

The gun shop, in business for the last six years, sells high-end target guns for shooting enthusiasts, such as those who do trap and skeet shooting.

Lebrun plans to have the glass windows repaired by the end of week, but even with them boarded up, the store remains open.

The suspect is described as a white or Hispanic male, 18-25 years old, last seen with a bandanna covering his face, wearing a dark-colored sweatshirt, black shorts and black high-top gym shoes.

The pickup truck is dark colored and should have fresh damage to its rear, the rear driver's side quarter panel, and the undercarriage, police said.

• Daily Herald staff writer Lee Filas contributed to this report.