WAUKEGAN, ILLINOIS - In just a couple of months, these robbers stormed into two dozen businesses at gunpoint including some well-known hotels and restaurants. Now this recent rash of robbery has been stopped.

Three men have been busted for a widespread robbery spree.

Police say they hit up dozens of businesses in Racine, Kenosha and Walworth counties region - even crossing into Lake and McHenry counties in Illinois.

Pizza shops, hotels and gas stations were targeted.

"We're talking about a two month crime spree."

Investigators said at a Friday press conference that eight people are in custody. But so far- just 3 have been charged.

Lake Country Sheriff Mark Curran said, "They went in with guns pointed to face with words to the effect of give me your money."

The Kenosha Kwik Trip on Highway 31 and 52nd Street was held up ten days ago. Jackie Hicks is there several times a week. "It's hard to believe with this one (with) how busy this Kwik Trip is," Hicks said.

"I'm glad they caught the people," Hicks added.

Police said the robbers would park their car blocks from the scene so when they fled on foot their vehicle was out of sight.

Investigators said Michael Boyle from Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, masterminded the crimes. Boyle, 42, told police that he stole the money so he could pay for his girlfriend's legal fees. She's in a custody battle trying to get her kids back.

The other two men charged are Randy O'Brien, 20, of Iron River, Michigan and Terrance Corte Walker, Jr., 22, of Elgin, Illinois.

Now Boyle and his seven cohorts have been put in jail before the rash of crimes could become more violent.

Police later learned the robbers were using fake guns, which looked like the real thing.