PIERCE COUNTY, Wash. — After burglars broke into Purdy Liquor Market to steal an ATM, Laura Scheel is out $3,100. The machine had $1,800 in it and it'll cost $1,300 to replace the broken window. It happened last Thursday just after 4 a.m.
"In this instance, it only took them four minutes, less than five minutes, to complete the act," Scheel said. "I honestly can't sleep at night. My phone is always on."
Security cameras recorded the burglars. Scheel said some thought went into the break-in. After busting the window, they went straight for the ATM, getting it outside with a long cable before dumping it into the back of a truck.
"I'm in contact with Pierce County Sheriff's [Department] and they're investigating this particular incident along with the fire department," Scheel said.
Less than 10 miles away, a few hours before the break-in at Purdy Liquor Market, burglars stole from the Key Peninsula Fire Department Headquarters in Key Center. The department is out $30,000.
"Four utility rigs were broken into. We lost structural protection gear, water rescue gear, an SCBA pack, and some electronics," Anne Nesbit, the fire department's public information officer, said.
Security cameras recorded both crimes. The burglars were in a similar truck. The Pierce County Sheriff's Department is investigating to determine if the people involved are responsible for both crimes.
"Our hope is to have a safe, crime-free community," Scheel said. "I'm still happy I'm in the community. We have great customers and this is not going to stop us."