Chinook burglars sought

Two recent burglaries of Chinook businesses may have been committed by the same person or people, a Chinook Police Department official said.

Gambling machines from both establishments were pried into, and both thefts occurred in the early morning hours, Assistant Chief Tim Gomke said today.

"We believe they're connected ... because the similarity is theft of poker machines," Gomke said.

In both instances, Gomke added, no other property was stolen or damaged.

About $1,500 total was taken from L&L Pizza and the Pastime Bar.

On April 13, someone shattered a glass side door at L&L Pizza, damaged a gambling machine and stole money from it, Gomke said.

The Pastime Bar, which has been burglarized before, was broken into on Monday, when a side door was pried open. The burglars stole money from several gambling machines, the officer said.

Fingerprints have been lifted from the crime scene and if the criminals are caught, they will be charged with felony burglary and theft, Gomke said.