Smash-and-grab thieves no match for cash machine
TUKWILA, Wash. -- Some would-be thieves smashed a van through the entrance of the Family Fun Center in Tukwila early Wednesday, but police said they didn't get away with any money.
Officials said the crooks crashed the van into the front doors just before 4:40 a.m. and tried to steal the cash machine that was inside.
The cash machine was bolted to the floor so the thieves were unable to steal it, but their efforts left the machine battered and broken.
Unable to get the machine or the money inside, the the intruders took off and left the van at the scene, police said.
"I'm not sure what they were thinking, I'm not sure I can get onto their level," said Mike Murphy with Tukwila Police. "It was a pretty dumb thing to do."
Employees spent several hours scrubbing away the skid marks and sweeping up debris while a contractor covered the giant hole in the building.
And by noon -- normal opening hours on a weekday -- the Family Fun Center was ready for eager kids.
"I'm especially happy because I got two kids that want to celebrate their report cards," said Deniel Span. "I think it's wonderful."
Investigators spent a few hours collecting evidence and are reviewing surveillance video from the business.
Officials said the crooks crashed the van into the front doors just before 4:40 a.m. and tried to steal the cash machine that was inside.
The cash machine was bolted to the floor so the thieves were unable to steal it, but their efforts left the machine battered and broken.
Unable to get the machine or the money inside, the the intruders took off and left the van at the scene, police said.
"I'm not sure what they were thinking, I'm not sure I can get onto their level," said Mike Murphy with Tukwila Police. "It was a pretty dumb thing to do."
Employees spent several hours scrubbing away the skid marks and sweeping up debris while a contractor covered the giant hole in the building.
And by noon -- normal opening hours on a weekday -- the Family Fun Center was ready for eager kids.
"I'm especially happy because I got two kids that want to celebrate their report cards," said Deniel Span. "I think it's wonderful."
Investigators spent a few hours collecting evidence and are reviewing surveillance video from the business.
"I'm especially happy because I got two kids that want to celebrate their report cards," said Deniel Span.
Man, I hope they don't sue.
@Kushfan Did they major in ballet, too?
someone needs to smack their hands with rebar
When those cash machines say, "NO" they mean NO.
Probably a stolen van, which will soon be reported stolen!
I used to do building maintenance and a couple of times I had to call a building manager to report that thousands of dollars of damage had been done by teenagers (there were witnesses) to a building and the vending machines to get $50.00 worth of coins. The thing is if they are caught and convicted they are totally indigent and can never pay any damages.
Thieves. what a bunch of worthless drains on society. Like someone posted below, they could give a crap that they are causing thousands of dollars in damage in the hopes of getting a couple of hundred bucks. A thief thinks nothing of smashing a 500 dollar car window to get a a 20 dollar stereo that he can sell for 5 dollars.
It's so typical of the criminal mentality, that they think nothing of causing thousands in damage to make off with a couple hundred in booty that they'll fence for a few bucks so they can buy their next hit of crack or meth.Â
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That's why these dirtbags need to be punished harshly, and locked up for a good, long time: their trail of destruction far outweighs their haul. Do the crime, do the time - and don't blame anybody but yourself.Â
"Unable to get the machine or the money inside, the the intruders took off..."
Oh well, at least they caused tens of thousands of dollars damage to the business and vehicle.
Rest in pieces cash machine
Guess not. :)
Don't these jokers watch World;s Dumbest Criminals?
 @al_02 Not only do they watch it, they're part of it! LOL