Deli Burglary Results In Stolen ATM In Dutchess County

BEEKMAN, NY — An ATM was stolen from a business in Dutchess County and the sheriff's office is warning that more similar crimes may be attempted in the near future.

The Dutchess County Sheriff's Office said the burglary and theft of the automatic teller machine happened overnight Sunday at a deli in the town of Beekman.

Sheriff's deputies responded to the deli around 7 a.m. Monday, confirming that the business had been broken into and the ATM stolen.

The investigation found that someone forced entry into the deli with crowbars, and once inside, they physically removed the ATM and left with it.

The sheriff's office said, at this time, surveillance footage is still being assessed, and if it reveals any useful images, they will be distributed.

Authorities said information suggests that this incident may be related to similar crimes by the out-of-state crime ring previously thought to be stealing cars and stealing items out of cars.

Because the sheriff's office thinks further thefts may be attempted in the near future, they are offering the following tips to Dutchess County business owners:

• Be alert and immediately report suspicious persons/activity to law enforcement — DO NOT confront them yourself as suspects should be considered armed and dangerous.
• Make sure that your security and alarm systems are working properly, and if you don’t have a security system consider investing in one.
• Have good lighting in and around your business and property.
• Don’t display that you have an ATM machine in your business, and if you do have one make sure it is tightly secured to the wall and floor and is stocked with only a minimal amount of money.

Also, if anyone has any information about this or other similar incidents, they should call Detective Kurt Twaddell at 845-486-3828 or via email. Information may also be provided through the sheriff's office tip line at 845-605-2583 or dcsotips@gmail.com. All information will be kept confidential.

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