WATCH: Suspects crash into Scotts Valley Walgreens, steal ATM
Scotts Valley police released video on Tuesday showing an ATM theft at a Walgreens.
Officers said the theft happened at around 3 a.m. Monday morning. They said an unknown group of suspects used a stolen vehicle to crash through the store front and steal an ATM inside the building.
Police said the suspects were in and out of the store in less than a minute, but the stolen vehicle was left at the scene, so officers do not know what type of vehicle the suspects used to move the ATM.
“This is like a… Wow.. Mad Max Fury Road Thunderdome routine,” said Robert Bucci, a Scotts Valley resident.
Based on how quickly and efficiently the burglars carried out the theft, police are looking into whether the suspects are connected with other similar incidents elsewhere.
“It might be. We are just in the initial phases of investigating it and reaching out to those other agencies that might be investigating the same crew or crime,” said Sgt. Wayne Bellville, who works in Scotts Valley Police investigations. “They seem very targeted. They were in and out of there in less than a minute. Apparently, it looks like they’ve done it before.”
“Yeah, just that’s ballsy. They must, like you had mentioned, they must’ve done it before,” said Byron Bush, a Scotts Valley resident.
Police did not say how much money was stolen to prevent would-be thieves from trying something like this. But those who do try usually target smaller ATMs in stores because they are typically close to the doors.
On Tuesday, customers were back at Walgreens shopping, and you could still see what seems to be the tire marks from the crime.
“I didn’t even know we had an ATM in there, and I’m shocked. My daughter just told me that this happened yesterday and never would have thought that something like that would happen,” said Michelle Getz, a Felton resident.
The suspects, if caught, would face vehicle theft, burglary and vandalism charges.
Anyone with information is asked to call Scotts Valley police at 831-440-5670.
Coincidentally, the same Walgreens was the target of another ATM burglary attempt about six years ago. The thieves, however, were not successful, and police do not think Monday’s incident is related.
KION 2019
