Burglars steal ATM after crashing car into South Loop currency exchange, police say: VIDEO
Television film crews for 'Chicago Fire' were setting up nearby, witnesses said.
CHICAGO (WLS) -- Video showed several people yank an ATM out of a currency exchange business early Thursday in the South Loop while film crews were setting up for a TV show nearby.
The crash-and-grab burglary happened around 6:22 a.m. on the corner of Jefferson and Roosevelt., Chicago police said.
The video shows how multiple burglars picked up a heavy machine and loaded it into the trunk of an SUV, before they sped away, leaving a Jeep Cherokee behind. Police said there were two suspects.
The Jeep was used to back into the 24-hour Western Union storefront and smash two large front windows so the thieves could get in, police said.
Frequent customers of the currency exchange were surprised to hear about the crime.
"It's crazy to me because I feel like this is a really good area, and when I come down here, I feel pretty safe," an anonymous customer said. "So for that to happen, it makes me think twice about coming."
The wild scene unfolded as crews for the TV show "Chicago Fire" were setting up to shoot a scene next door inside a breakfast restaurant, witnesses said.
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The robbers boldly carried out their plan as many watched in disbelief, recording the crime and providing the video to ABC7.
Police arrived at the crash and grab scene and put up crime tape as they investigated near the busy intersection.
"It's like at what point are citizens going to be kept safe, because what if someone got hurt from that?" the customer said.
Shattered glass could be seen scattered everywhere on the sidewalk.
Eventually, the owners of the stolen Jeep Grand Cherokee made their way to the scene. Police allowed them to take their vehicle, which had child safety seats in the back row.
Several witnesses, who did not want to talk on camera, said the robbery happened quickly. What was most shocking to them was how the thieves didn't care about anyone nearby watching them.
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Chicago's 28th Ward Alderman Jason Ervin said his office is working with businesses across the ward to add safety barriers in front of stores to prevent these types of crimes. Right now, they're focusing on businesses that have been hit repeatedly, but he said others can reach out to his office for the application as well.
Crews continued to clean the scene Thursday morning.
No arrests have been made, police said. No injuries were reported.
No further information was immediately available.
