NEW ORLEANS — ATM thieves have struck again in New Orleans.
This time it happened Uptown at a gas station convenience store.
Workers at the Tchoup Stop spent the day cleaning up.
According to a store employee, security video shows a white Ford pickup truck with a metal bumper backing through a large window in front of the store around 4 a.m., Thursday morning.
The truck shattered glass, knocked out bricks, and damaged an exterior wall.
The employee said an unknown number of burglars smashed, then stole the Capital One ATM.
According to the store manager, the suspects were all dressed in black, wearing ski masks.
The store at Tchoupitoulas and Joseph Streets was closed at the time.
Cashier Jamie Camardelle said she’s surprised and amazed someone was able to get away with the ATM.
“I know the ATM was right there and they backed the truck into there, so they could get the ATM,” Camardelle said. “My co-worker called me this morning to let me know. The first thing I thought about is just on the other side of that is some of my belongings, but I just checked them and they’re okay.”
This is the third ATM targeted in less than a month in New Orleans.
Just two blocks from the Tchoup Stop, two men in hoods with a crowbar attempted to steal a cash machine from a Regions Bank on January 10.
That same morning, thieves did steal an ATM at the Tastee Donut at Esplanade Avenue and Broad Street.
They also used a light-colored pick-up truck to break through a wall to get to the machine inside the business.
The NOPD believes the two January incidents may be connected.
But according to police, it’s too early in the investigation to say the same people committed the Tchoup Stop theft.
“It’s crazy,” Earl Everette said. “Nothing but time to think about crazy stuff they can do to steal. They’re criminals. Criminal mind, I don’t know.”
“Would have thought it would be bolted in better, but whoever did it is good at something,” Patrick Keagan said.
Camardelle said she would not have expected something like this to happen at her store.
“I thought ATMs were very heavy. Well, with a truck or car, I guess they could roll over it or crush it and get it out.”
According to the NOPD, no suspects have been identified or arrests made in this latest ATM theft in New Orleans.
Anyone with information that can assist in this ongoing investigation is urged to contact NOPD Second District detectives at 504-658-6020 or to submit tips anonymously to Crimestoppers at 504-822-1111.
