FREEPORT — According to a press release from the Stephenson County Sheriff’s Office, there have been several recent forced entries of local businesses and the department is seeking information from the public.

In the early morning hours of July 31, an unknown subject, believed to be male, forced open the door of The Loose Screw bar in German Valley and damaged the video gambling machines and removed the money. The subject then left in an unknown direction.

In the early morning hours of Aug. 1, a vehicle entered the parking lot of the Ridott Tap in rural Ridott. A male subject forced open a side door to gain entry. He damaged the video gambling machines, removed the money and then left.

A vehicle entered the parking lot of the Route 20 Bar and Grill in the early morning hours of Aug. 2. A male subject forced open the front door of the business and damaged the video gambling machines and removed the money. He then left in an unknown direction.

The Stephenson County Sheriff’s Office investigation into these incidents is ongoing. They are believed to be related and the suspect has not been identified at this time. Anyone having information on these incidents or the suspect(s) involved should contact the Stephenson County Sheriff’s Office at 815-235-8252 or Stateline Area Crimestoppers at 1-866-847-7669.