Thief Drags ATM from North Philadelphia Chinese Restaurant Using Minivan

PHILADELPHIA, PA — A daring theft occurred in North Philadelphia where a suspect managed to steal an entire automated teller machine (ATM) from a local Chinese restaurant by anchoring it to a minivan.

The Philadelphia Police Department reported that the suspect entered the restaurant, wrapped a chain or heavy rope around the ATM, and secured it to the rear of a minivan parked outside. The driver then accelerated, ripping the ATM from its mountings and pulling it out of the establishment. The suspect then loaded the machine, or dragged it away, fleeing the scene before police arrived.

Investigators are analyzing security camera footage from the restaurant and surrounding businesses to track the minivan's license plate and identify the driver. Business owners in the area have expressed concern over the brazenness of the heist.