Thieves Attempt Bold ATM Heist at Fort Worth 7-Eleven on Christmas Eve
FORT WORTH, Texas — In the early hours of Christmas Eve, two suspects launched a brazen attempt to steal an ATM from a 7-Eleven convenience store in Fort Worth, Texas, only to be thwarted when the machine broke free during their getaway. The incident, which unfolded just before 4 a.m. on December 24, involved the use of a stolen black SUV and a metal cable to drag the ATM through the store’s glass doors, causing extensive damage to the storefront.
According to the Fort Worth Police Department, the suspects arrived at the store wearing dark clothing with their faces covered. One of the men smashed the front door with a metal object before attaching a cable to the ATM, which was already hooked to the stolen vehicle. The SUV, reported stolen from Dallas, was used to pull the ATM out through the front entrance, leaving debris, shelving, and merchandise scattered both inside the store and in the parking lot.
The heist required two attempts to dislodge the ATM from the premises. However, as the suspects sped away, the machine broke loose from the cable and was abandoned at the scene. Police later recovered the ATM and began investigating whether this incident is linked to a series of similar crimes targeting convenience stores across North Texas in recent weeks.
The Texas Department of Public Safety is collaborating with local law enforcement to identify the suspects, utilizing license plate readers and city surveillance cameras to track the stolen SUV, which was last seen about half a mile from the crime scene. The White Settlement Police Department has appealed to the public for assistance in providing any information that could lead to arrests.
Incidents involving the theft of ATMs have become increasingly common in the region, often involving stolen vehicles and coordinated efforts to forcibly remove machines from retail locations. The Bureau of Justice Statistics notes a rise in property crimes targeting businesses, underscoring the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in preventing such crimes.
While the suspects escaped without the ATM, the damage to the 7-Eleven store was significant, disrupting operations during the busy holiday season. The store’s management has expressed relief that no bystanders or employees were harmed during the attempted theft.
Authorities continue to investigate the incident and urge anyone with information to contact the Fort Worth Police Department. This case highlights the ongoing need for vigilance and community cooperation in combating property crimes, especially during times when businesses may be more vulnerable.
For more information on crime prevention and reporting, residents can visit the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s crime resources or contact local law enforcement agencies directly.
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