WEST PARK, FLA. (WSVN) - Surveillance video has been released that shows a thief breaking through a wall to get to the ATM of a West Park business.
According to officials, just after 12:50 a.m., on Aug. 3, the thief broke through a wall at a Fast Payday Loans shop near State Road 7. The suspect tried opening the ATM with several tools, before smashing it open with a cinder block.
The Broward Sheriff’s Office said the suspect had been in the store before and knew where the ATM was when breaking in.
“This burglar actually took his time,” said BSO spokesperson Gina Carter. “He was absolutely determined. He knew exactly where he wanted to cut in the wall. He knew exactly where that ATM was within the building. He wasn’t going to stop until he got that money.”
Eventually, police said, he resorted to using a concrete parking block to hit the ATM machine from behind, trying to dislodge the money dispenser.
“Once he broke in, it took him about two hours to get into the ATM machine,” said Carter. “He tried several different methods. He tried to pry it open with a crowbar, he tried to cut it open with a grinder… Eventually he went outside, got a concrete block from the parking lot and then smashed it in order to dislodge the wads of money inside the machine.”
Officials have not confirmed the amount of money stolen.
Business owners have since patched the part of the wall that was exposed.
Carter called the suspect determined and said he knows how to break into businesses. “He has a method that he knows works for getting into businesses, so we need to find him right away and stop him.”
If you have any information on the thief and this crime, call Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a $3,000 reward.
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