Thieves Targeting ATM Machines

Police across the nation are reporting a steep increase in the number of ATM thefts -- not robberies of people using ATM machines, but theft of the actual ATM machines. The machines, stand alone kind found in many convenient stores, are becoming popular targets of crash-and-grab thieves who crash into storefronts and haul the machines away.

Authorities suspect organized rings may be at work in several areas around the country targeting the cash-filled machines in gas stations and other stores.

According to an MSNBC report, police have reported more than 140 ATM thefts in North Texas alone, mostly in the Dallas area. Multiple ATM thefts have also been reported in Atlanta, Houston, Los Angeles, San Diego, Detroit and even Honolulu.

Police say the crash-and-grab bandits first steal a large pickup truck that they use to crash into storefronts where ATM machines are located. They use a chain on the back of the truck to drag the machines out of the store. The entire process can take less than five minutes.

According to FBI statistics, between 100 to 200 ATM thefts a year were reported from 2000 until 2006, with 119 reported in 2006. Now there have been 140 reported in the first half of 2008 in the Dallas area alone.

See Also:
Unauthorized ATM Withdrawals All the Rage

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