Pair uses pickup to yank out ATMs

Delaware State Police are looking for two men who are using a Ford pickup truck to steal automatic teller machines from businesses in New Castle County.

The pair has struck three times since Aug. 14, making off with two ATMS, but they were thwarted in their first attempt at the Hooters Restaurant in Newark because the machine was bolted to the ground, police said.

"In each incident two male suspects drove to the location of the crime in a blue or gray newer model Ford F-150 pickup truck," the State Police said in a statement.

"After breaking the glass out of the front doors of the businesses the suspects tied a tow strap around the automated teller machines inside," the statement said. "The suspects then attempted to drag the machines out of the businesses using the pickup truck."

After their first failed attempt, the duo succeeded in making off with ATMs from the Buffalo Wild Wings on Pulaski Highway in Bear on Sept. 19 and a Shell Station on Limestone Road in Hockessin last Friday.

No word yet on how much money they have stolen, but two machines alone were valued at $12,000.

Police describe both thieves as white men of average build and average weight.

Anyone with information in reference to these crimes is asked to contact State Police detectives at 302-834-2630 ext. 211 or the Delaware Crime Stoppers tip line at 1-800-847-3333.