Finance
Thieves Use Stolen Excavator to Destroy ATM and Rob Bank
2025-06-23

In a brazen early-morning heist, criminals stole heavy machinery from a construction site in Clackamas, Oregon, and used it to rip an ATM from the wall of a U.S. Bank branch. The machine was smashed in the adjacent parking lot, with debris strewn across the ground. Authorities are still investigating the incident, which occurred around 4 a.m. on a Monday at the intersection of Southeast 117th Avenue and Southeast Sunnyside Road. Surveillance footage and现场照片 captured by a news crew show the extent of destruction left behind after the theft.

The Heist: A Bold Theft Using Heavy Machinery

At the crack of dawn, a group of thieves executed a highly unusual robbery by first stealing an excavator from a nearby construction zone. Their target was clear—they drove the heavy equipment directly to a U.S. Bank branch where they proceeded to rip an ATM from its foundation. This audacious act took place under the cover of darkness and was completed in a matter of hours, leaving behind a scene of significant damage.

The operation required both knowledge and precision. After extracting the ATM from inside the bank’s structure, the criminals dragged it outside and smashed it apart in the parking lot. The shattered remains of the machine were scattered alongside broken pieces of the building’s exterior. The excavator itself was abandoned at the scene, suggesting a premeditated escape plan or a rushed departure. Witnesses reported no signs of forced entry into the bank beyond the destruction caused by the removal of the ATM, indicating that the perpetrators relied more on brute force than sophisticated lock-picking techniques.

Aftermath and Ongoing Investigation

In the wake of the attack, law enforcement agencies have launched an investigation to identify those responsible for the crime. Local authorities have been contacted, though no official statements have yet been released. Evidence at the scene, including video documentation and physical remnants of the destroyed ATM, is being analyzed to piece together the timeline and methodology of the theft.

Officials are also working to determine how much money was taken and whether any surveillance systems inside the bank managed to capture useful images of the suspects. Due to the unconventional nature of the heist—using stolen heavy machinery rather than traditional tools of burglary—investigators may be looking at a group with prior experience handling such vehicles. Meanwhile, the damaged bank branch remains under assessment for structural integrity and repair costs. As this story develops, further updates are expected to provide clarity on the identities of the thieves and their eventual capture.

more stories
See more