Thief Cuts Hole in Roof of Tempe Nail Salon to Breach Wells Fargo ATM

TEMPE, AZ — Police are investigating a highly unusual and sophisticated commercial burglary in Tempe after a thief managed to gain entry into a business by cutting a hole in the roof to target an automated teller machine (ATM).

The incident occurred on March 4, 2026, at a nail salon located in a retail shopping center in Tempe. According to the Tempe Police Department, the suspect scaled the exterior of the building to reach the roof. Once on top, the burglar used specialized tools to cut a precise opening through the roof and ceiling, dropping down into the interior of the nail salon.

Targeting the In-Store Wells Fargo ATM

Once inside the salon, the suspect bypassed standard security barriers and focused entirely on a Wells Fargo ATM terminal situated inside the premises. The burglar utilized tools to breach the ATM's housing and access the cash vault inside. After successfully securing an undisclosed amount of cash, the suspect fled the scene, leaving behind a heavily damaged building and an empty ATM.

Employees arriving for their morning shift discovered the debris, the damaged ATM, and the gaping hole in the ceiling, prompting them to immediately alert the police.

Investigation and Security Concerns

Detectives and forensic investigators spent several hours collecting evidence at the salon. They are currently looking into whether the perpetrator had specialized knowledge of the building's layout or the specific ATM model. Police are also examining surveillance tapes from the strip mall and nearby major intersections to track down the suspect.

Authorities have advised local business owners, especially those hosting third-party ATM terminals, to review their rooftop security measures and ensure motion detectors are configured to monitor all potential entry points.