Masked intruders break into several gambling machines and cash register at Green Oaks gas station

Authorities are investigating a targeted break-in early Wednesday to several gambling machines and a cash register at a gas station in Green Oaks.

Lake County sheriff’s deputies responded about 3:35 a.m. to a report of an armed robbery at a gas station on the 14000 block of West Rockland Road. The clerk told authorities that five people, all wearing masks and gloves, used sledgehammers and crowbars to break into gambling machines and a cash register.

A sixth person remained outside in a black SUV, according to Lake County sheriff’s Chief Christopher Covelli. The break-in occurred quickly and the intruders fled in the SUV last seen driving at high speed heading south on Interstate 294.

A private security guard hired by the gambling company was present at the business throughout the break-in, Covelli said.

Further detail was not provided.

Covelli said sheriff’s detectives and detectives throughout the Chicago area have developed a task force to investigate gambling machine burglaries occurring throughout the region and are sharing intelligence and working collaboratively to identify offenders.