09/10/2009: "ATMs Targeted In Eastsound"

In what is being called the worse crime spree in years, if not ever, has Orcas business owners shaken, concerned and hopeful it may soon come to an end.

So far Ace Hardware, Island Hardware, Vern’s, Bilbo’s, and Islanders Bank have all been hit by an unknown person, or persons, who seems to be doing his homework.

Sheriff Bill Cumming said whoever is committing the crimes seems to be aware of when to come in and that recording cameras are present in some of the buildings.

The burglar is reported to have entered Island Market early Tuesday (9-8-09) after the cleaning crew left, turned off the lights, then used a powered pallet jack to attempt to beat open an ATM machine. The machine was a total wreck by the time it was over, but did not give up it’s money; however the total damage to the machine, and within the story proper, is by one estimate as high as $25,000.00. A total that is greater than anything the hapless crook has been able to gain thus far.

Cumming said his department is actively involved in the investigation, and has also brought in outside experts to aid in the investigation. While they have some potential leads, he would not go into details while the investigation is under way.