Bristol Township police are investigating a theft that involved a stolen backhoe being used to take an ATM.
The incident happened around 2:40 a.m. Wednesday outside the laundromat in the shopping center that houses the New Madison Restaurant, Gerald’s Jewelers, and Taps Sports Bar in the 4000 block of Veterans Highway.
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Police said a suspect operating a stolen backhoe removed the ATM from the shopping center.
The stolen backhoe used in the crime was located a short distance away and abandoned, police said.
“It is safe to say this was a brazen crime,” Bristol Township police Lt. Sean Cosgrove said.
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Josh Martinez, who owns the ATM, said he was shocked when he heard what happened and is disappointed it occurred.
Video obtained by LevittownNow.com shows the backhoe driving over to the ATM, moving it, damaging it, and driving off with it down Veterans Highway.
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The ATM is designed to resist theft and was bolted to the shopping center sidewalk to secure it, Martinez said.
“It is encased in steel and bolted to the concrete,” he stated.
Martinez explained he was asleep early Wednesday when the call from the laundromat owner about the theft happened. He found out a few hours later when police called.
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Watching the video, Martinez said it appears the driver of the stolen backhoe is skilled at operating one and knew what they were doing.
The ATM had about $1,500 in it, but the theft of the still-missing ATM and damage to the base has cost Martinez many thousands of dollars more, the small business owner said.
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Martinez owns a number of ATMs and is hoping to grow the business to a level where he could leave his full-time job, but the news of the Wednesday morning theft has left him feeling disheartened.
“I was hoping to make this side hustle a full-time job,” he said. “I want more time with my family and to give my mom the life she deserves.”
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Martinez said his mom immigrated to America years ago and dedicated her life to the family.
It is unclear if the ATM theft is related to other thefts from ATMs and vending machines in the region in recent years.
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Martinez said he hopes police take this crime seriously.
Anyone with information has been asked to contact Officer Andrew Stuart at 267-812-3013.
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