In the latest wave of ATM thefts, criminals targeted businesses in Prince George’s County, employing a brazen method involving a car to rip off doors and gates to access cash machines. The incident occurred early Thursday morning in Landover Hills, leaving local business owners and law enforcement authorities on high alert.

The Scene Unfolds: Surveillance Video Reveals Smash-and-Grab Operation

Surveillance footage captured the daring heist at the 5 & Twelve Food Mart, situated at 7001 Annapolis Road. At approximately 2:30 a.m., the video depicts the thieves forcefully prying off the front door before attaching an unknown object to a security gate. Utilizing a vehicle, they then proceeded to violently rip off the gate, causing both it and the door to crash to the ground. Within moments, the perpetrators successfully extracted the ATM and fled the scene.

Unprecedented Incident: Store Owner Expresses Shock

The owner of 5 & Twelve Food Mart expressed astonishment at the audacity of the theft, noting that such an occurrence had not transpired at his establishment in the past 25 years. The boldness of the criminals, coupled with the significant damage inflicted upon the store, underscores the gravity of the situation.

Expanded Target Scope: ATM Theft Spree Across the County

However, this incident was not isolated. In a separate occurrence, thieves targeted a Mobil gas station located approximately 20 miles south, in the 11800 block of Livingston Road in Fort Washington. Similar to the previous incident, significant damage was inflicted upon the store’s glass frontage as the perpetrators made off with another ATM.

Ongoing Investigation: Law Enforcement Responds

Prince George’s County police have launched an investigation into the string of ATM thefts, with a focus on identifying and apprehending the suspects responsible for these brazen crimes. At present, no information regarding the perpetrators has been released to the public.

Regional Concern: Recent Surge in ATM Thefts

These incidents add to a growing trend of ATM thefts occurring across the region. In recent weeks, multiple businesses have fallen victim to similar heists, indicating a concerning pattern of criminal activity targeting cash machines.

Conclusion: Heightened Vigilance Urged Amidst ATM Theft Spree

As Prince George’s County grapples with the aftermath of these audacious thefts, local businesses and residents are urged to remain vigilant. The surge in ATM-related crimes underscores the need for enhanced security measures and community awareness to deter further incidents.

Stay informed with The Local News App for the latest updates on this developing story.

Sources:

• Surveillance footage from 5 & Twelve Food Mart, Landover Hills
• NEWS.ORG Washington报道: ATM Thieves in Prince George’s County Use Car to Rip Door Off Store, Steal Cash, May 7, 2024
• Prince George’s County Police Department: Official Statements and Press Releases

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