Officials investigate robbery attempt of ATM

NORTH MIAMI, Fla. (WSVN) -- Police are investigating the attempted robbery of an ATM at a South Florida bank.

North Miami Police said around 5:15 a.m. Monday, several thieves used a backhoe to try and steal an ATM machine at the Washington Mutual located at Northwest 126th Street and Seventh Avenue. "They left the backhoe on the scene, and they left without the ATM and apparently without any money," said North Miami Police Lieutenant Neal Cuevas.

Police said the attempted bandits also ripped off the surveillance camera located above the drive-thru ATM.

Bank customers were left stunned with the ordeal. "This is shocking to me," said Jones Odate.

This incident is just one of many that have occurred throughout South Florida, including a Bank Atlantic in West Miami-Dade and a Bank of America in Homestead. "It doesn't seem like it's that much of an obstacle anymore to take an ATM or any kind of machine from any location," said Cuevas.

If you have any information on this attempted robbery, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a reward.

(Copyright 2008 by Sunbeam Television Corp. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)