Another ATM theft attempt

By Corrine Gadke

Owners of the small general store in Blue Ridge woke up to a frightening ordeal the early hours of Saturday, February 15th.  At approximately 4 a.m. the sounds of crashing glass and loud noises were heard as three persons were using a sledgehammer and chains to break into the only store in the small hamlet.

A truck, black or dark blue, was backed into the store windows, and security bars were torn out. One assailant broke into the main door while others used chains to remove the ATM located inside the store.

Creating extensive damage, the three people of interest fled the scene leaving the ATM on the sidewalk in front of the store. The store owner, Mr. Lee, said, “It was only three or four minutes!

I called 911 and waited for the police.”

No-one was physically harmed in the ordeal, but the owners are now on high alert due to the nature of the incident. Being told that many robberies have been happening between the hours of 4 and 8 a.m., it is likely that the thieves may come back. With that said, Blue Ridge General Store owners have taken measures to secure their business further.

Security footage was given to the police for investigation. The owner and family members have released the security footage to social media in hopes of finding the persons responsible. It is not known if this attempt is connected to other recent thefts in the area. The family asks that everyone be vigilant and attentive for the next few weeks and if you have any information to contact the police.