Thieves Use Forklift To Steal ATM
MIRAMAR (CBSMiami) -- Surveillance video captured a bank bandit behind a heavy piece of equipment, maneuvering a high-reach forklift to rip off an ATM from a Bank of America in Miramar
The ATM was taken from the drive-through of the bank on Southwest 29th Street and Dykes Road just before 1 a.m. Friday.
Police said the thieves used a forklift stolen from nearby construction site to rip the ATM from the ground, then put it into a stolen box truck from a medical equipment company in Hialeah and took off.
"They took a screwdriver and 'jimmied' the key and hot wired it," said Bruce Smith of Buffalo Construction.
Smith said he didn't even realize the equipment was missing until police brought it back Friday morning.
"I couldn't believe it. I've never heard of such people to do stupid stuff like that. My gosh, to take a machine like that. I didn't think you could get an ATM machine out of the ground with a forklift," said Smith.
The box truck was later found ditched in front of an abandoned home on NW 141st Street and 22nd Avenue. It was towed away as evidence with the ATM still inside.
"Obviously someone knew what they were doing," said Lazaro Mederos, a bank customer.
Customers stopped by to withdraw some cash at the bank were stunned to see bent metal, a hole in the wall, and one of the drive-thru ATM's missing.
"Miramar? That doesn't happen in Miramar," said Mederos.
Surveillance cameras from the bank captured at least one man using an article of clothing to cover his face. Detectives believe at least one other person was involved. The investigation has been turned over to the FBI.
It is unclear if thieves were able to get any cash out of the ATM.
If you know anything about this crime or the suspects, please call Broward Crime Stoppers at (954) 493-TIPS.
