White Settlement, Texas – A bizarre and destructive ATM theft unfolded early on Christmas Eve in White Settlement, a suburb of Fort Worth, when two thieves tied an ATM to a stolen SUV and ripped it from a 7-Eleven, only to leave empty-handed, authorities confirmed.
The incident caused extensive damage to the convenience store and drew attention for its unusual execution.
Security Footage Captures Chaotic Theft
Security camera footage shows the stolen SUV barreling into the 7-Eleven parking lot around 4 a.m., with two men dressed in black gloves and masks leaping from the vehicle. One suspect smashes the store’s glass window with a metal object and runs inside to attach a metal cable to the ATM, connecting it to the SUV outside.
The driver then slammed on the gas, tearing the ATM from its corner and smashing through store aisles. The first thief narrowly avoids being hit as the metal safe explodes out the window. The SUV then drags the heavy box down the street, colliding with another vehicle along the way.
Inside the store, shelves were toppled, and snacks and debris littered the floor, leaving the interior severely damaged. Surveillance footage outside the store was unable to confirm whether the second suspect made it back into the getaway SUV.
ATM Recovered, No Cash Lost
The ATM safe was later located in a ditch near an auto dealership, and police were able to recover the safe along with its contents, indicating the thieves failed to steal any money.
White Settlement Police Chief Christopher Cook noted,
“At this time of the year you see that level of desperation, and that’s what makes it dangerous.”
Stolen SUV Tracked Down
Investigators later tracked the stolen SUV to a nearby parking lot and determined it had been taken from Dallas, according to a social media post by the department. Police confirmed that the investigation is ongoing, and no arrests have been made yet.
Authorities are reviewing surveillance footage and witness accounts to identify the suspects and piece together the unusual sequence of events that left both the 7-Eleven and nearby vehicles damaged.
Have you ever witnessed a brazen theft or unusual crime in your area? What measures could stores take to prevent such high-risk robberies during the holidays? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
