These surveillance photos provided by Anniston police show an ATM being taken early Sunday morning by someone driving a forklift.
A customer today looks at the spot where thieves early Sunday morning used a stolen forklift to remove an ATM from a Regions Bank branch in the Saks area. (Photo by Trent Penny/The Anniston Star)
According to Anniston police reports, the suspects used a lull forklift stolen from an Alexandria company to take a drive-through ATM from the Regions Bank branch on U.S. 431 between 4:30 and 4:35 a.m. Sunday. Anniston police Lt. Fred Forsythe said there was money in the machine.
“We’re not disclosing the amount at this time,” Forsythe said.
Police reports also stated that the suspects caused approximately $3,000-worth of damage in taking the ATM. The suspects left with the ATM in an unidentified vehicle; the forklift was left at the bank.
Forsythe said no suspects have been listed in the case.
“We’re in the process of getting surveillance video … getting pictures,” Forsythe said. “But the offenders were covered from head to toe, wearing sleeves, gloves and ski masks, so there is nothing identifiable about them.”
Forsythe said investigators’ best lead right now is the forklift used to steal the ATM. He said it was stolen from an Alexandria business shortly before the bank theft.
“More than likely, the forklift was driven from the Alexandria area to the bank on the roadway,” Forsythe said. “We’re sure several cars would have had to go around it and see it.”
A lull forklift looks similar to a tractor, but with a large mechanical arm attached to the back. At the end of the arm is the forklift.
Forsythe said theft was unusual for the area.
“No, this doesn’t happen a lot,” he said. “We’ve had maybe one or two like this happen here.”
Anyone with information about the theft or who might have seen the forklift on the road may contact Anniston police at 256-240-4000.
Staff writer Patrick McCreless: 256-235-3531. On Twitter @PMcCreless_Star.
