MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – A pair of robbers are on the run on Thursday morning after stealing an ATM from a bank in southwest Miami-Dade.
The robbers were in a white pickup truck when they arrived at about 3:10 a.m., on Wednesday at a Chase bank in Miami-Dade’s Three Lake neighborhood, according to police.
Equipped with tools they were able to remove the ATM at the Chase branch at 12610 SW 120 St., east of the Miami Executive Airport, police said.
Daniel Rodriguez, a bank customer, told Local 10 News that he was stunned after hearing about the robbery.
“I’ve noticed people right now are really desperate for money,” he said.
Police said It is unclear if any cash was stolen during the robbery.
“It’s tough for everyone, but it’s better to make a decent living than a dishonest one,” said Annabella Cook, who lives nearby.
According to the Texas Banking Association, more ATM thefts are happening nationwide for the reasons listed below.
- Many times, to save money, the ATM isn’t bolted to the floor or connected to an alarm system.
- There isn’t a seismic alarm on the ATM.
- No GPS system is installed.
- Criminals cut power to the location that has the ATM. They attack it with a well-thought-out plan, meaning the team can steal the ATM in 30 to 90 seconds.
- There is no back-up power source for the alarm system.
- They attack between 3 a.m. and 5 a.m. with little to no witnesses to the event.
- There is a lack of cameras at the parking lot or location of the crime.
Detectives were asking anyone with information about the case to call Miami-Dade County Crime Stoppers at 305-471-8477.