Rock Throwing Burglars Wanted for Tobacco Shop Heists: Sheriff

WILLOWBROOK, IL -- The DuPage County Sheriff’s Office has released photos of three suspects believed responsible for tobacco store burglaries in unincorporated Willowbrook and Oak Lawn. A fourth suspect, not pictured, is also alleged to be working with the smoke shop crew.

The latest conquest took place July 11 at the Tobacco Outlet located in a strip mall near the intersection of Route 83 and Honeysuckle Rose Lane in unincorporated Willowbrook. Video surveillance shows the suspects breaking the window with a rock. One suspect climbed through the hole and handed a Sharp cash register out to his buddies, the sheriff’s news release said. The suspect also handed 130 cartons of Newport 100s.

The three suspects are described as male blacks, ranging from 20 to 30 years of age. The suspects were driving a gold, four-door 1999 Buick Park Avenue with unknown registration.

Police believe the suspects to be the same group who committed a similar burglary of a tobacco store in Oak Lawn in June. A fourth suspect, described as a male black between 45 and 55 years of age with a white beard and goatee, was spotted at the Oak Lawn heist.

Anyone who recognizes these suspects or who has any information to assist the investigation is asked to contact the DuPage County Sheriff’s Office at 630-407-2400. Citizens can also use the DuPage County Sheriff Anonymous Crime Tip (ACT) program to text investigators information. Text the word “SHERIFF” using your cell phone, plus your message, to CRIMES (274637). Your text message will be encrypted and forwarded to the DuPage County Sheriff's Office. The Sheriff's Office will be able to reply, but will never know the identity of the person who has sent the tip.

Anonymous tipsters can also provide anonymous information via the DuPage County Crime Stoppers.

Oak Lawn tipsters can contact the Oak Lawn Police Department at (708) 422-8292.