NEW ORLEANS — In the early morning hours of October 17, the NOPD says two masked suspects broke into the auto and machine shop at Delgado Community College, grabbed tools, then attempted to steal an ATM with them.
The department released a 13-minute security video of the crime. It shows one of the two suspects working at the base of the ATM with some kind of tool, leaving, then coming back with what appears to be a circular saw.
The tool throws sparks off the ATM for several minutes, then the suspect switches to hand tools. They pull, pry, and jab at the ATM, switch back to the saw, then switch back to the tools. Eventually, they give up and leave.
“50 to 60 percent of all attacks on ATMs are physical attacks,” said David Tente, President of the ATM Security Association. He said they are “very common” in the U.S., and end with an average loss of around $40,000.
He added that this particular ATM may have been more vulnerable because of its position next to a glass door. “That makes it real easy to see it and pull it out,” he said.
Thankfully, the two suspects in this theft appear to be “amateurs,” he said. “The pros aren't going to spend anywhere near that amount of time trying to steal an ATM and be unsuccessful.”
In a statement, a spokesperson for Delgado said:
"On October 17, at approximately 12 a.m. security cameras at Delgado Community College recorded an unsuccessful attempt to break into an ATM located near the fitness center of the City Park Campus. The attempt on the ATM was unsuccessful. Our campus police responded, securing the area and collaborating with the New Orleans Police Department to ensure a thorough investigation.
"This incident was an isolated incident and occurred when no one was on campus. The safety of our campus is a top priority and we are committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for our students, faculty, staff and community. We appreciate the vigilance of our campus community and our ongoing partnership with local law enforcement."
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