Newark Man Helped Steal 4 ATMs In 3 Weeks, Police Say

NEWARK, NJ — A Newark man recently helped to steal four automatic teller machines in three weeks, police say.

Leonardo Aquino, 34, has been identified as a suspect in all four thefts, which took place between Nov. 22 and Dec. 12, according to the Newark Department of Public Safety.

Aquino was arrested on Dec. 20. He has been charged with burglary, theft, receiving stolen property, conspiracy to commit burglary and possession of burglary tools, authorities said.

Newark police released the following statements about each theft.

LINCOLN AVENUE – “The first occurred at 111 Lincoln Avenue, where an ATM was stolen at 12:45 a.m. Police observed two males on surveillance camera entering the laundry room and using a saw to loosen the cash machine from its base before carrying the machine out of the laundry room.”

ADAMS STREET – “The second incident occurred on Dec. 8, outside Speedy Tires, at 274 Adams Street. Four men arrived at the location in a green pickup truck just before 3:30 a.m. and stole the ATM.”

PARK AVENUE – “On Dec. 11, police responded to Magua Mini Mart, located at 137 Park Avenue, to investigate the theft of the store’s ATM, cash from the register, other cash from inside the store and four cartons of cigarettes. Police observed on surveillance camera three suspects arrive at the store in a four-door silver Audi at approximately 12:40 a.m. Two of the suspects cut the padlocks from the outside gates and entered the store to commit the theft.”

ELM STREET – “The last theft occurred on Dec. 12 at Gentlemen’ Barbershop, located at 133 Elm Street. Two male suspects arrived at the location at 1:30 a.m., also in a four-door silver Audi. The suspects entered the barbershop, stole the ATM and placed it in the backseat of the Audi, which was reported stolen out of Linden.”

An investigation is ongoing, police said Thursday.

Anyone with information can call the division's 24-hour Crime Stopper tip line at 1-877-NWK-TIPS (1-877-695-8477). Anonymous tips may also be made using the Police Division’s website at: www.newarkpd.org or through its smartphone app.

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