Brazen rash of ATM burglaries reported in Des Moines, multiple states
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Surveillance cameras at an ATM in DSM about three years ago captured footage of a burglary that used a stolen truck and tow chains. Photo: Courtesy of DMPD
Des Moines police have ongoing investigations linked to at least 10 ATM burglaries or attempted burglaries since May with thieves making away with more than $20,000, Sgt. Paul Parizek tells Axios.
Why it matters: The thefts may be connected to a national crime spree, including some cases where criminals allegedly learned how to get money from the machines via YouTube videos.
Catch up fast: Midwestern states began seeing a pattern of ATM thefts about four years ago, DMPD detective Dusty Chapline said in a department video.
- That includes rings of thieves traveling and lodging together, then stealing local trucks powerful enough to rip an ATM open with a tow chain.
The big picture: Four Texas residents pleaded guilty in August to stealing more than $166,000 in ATM burglaries in Georgia, Alabama and Louisiana that were similar in nature as those described by DSM police.
- Meanwhile, burglaries were reported across the country during the last two months in places like Texas, California and Hawaii — where video in one case showed a suspect using a backhoe to break into an ATM.
What they're saying: These thefts are sometimes described as a "job opportunity" among criminal rings to recruit people to commit the crimes, Chaplin said.
Of note: DMPD made at least 10 arrests in connection with ATM burglaries that occurred prior to this year.
- Police believe arrests linked with the more recent crimes will be made in coming weeks, Parizek says.