ATM Stolen from Lincoln Park Grocery Store; Suspects Used SUV to Pull Cash Machine

In a bold and shocking heist, an ATM was stolen from a grocery store in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood, with suspects using an SUV to rip the cash machine from its foundation. The incident, which unfolded in the early hours of a quiet morning, has left local residents stunned and authorities scrambling to track down the culprits. This brazen theft highlights a growing trend of ATM-related crimes across the United States, raising concerns about public safety and security measures at local businesses.

The Incident: A Daring Heist in Lincoln Park

The robbery took place at a grocery store located in the 2600 block of North Lincoln Avenue in Lincoln Park, a bustling and generally safe neighborhood known for its vibrant community and local businesses. According to Chicago police reports, the theft occurred around 2:21 a.m. on December 6, 2024, when suspects used a stolen SUV to execute their plan. Witnesses described hearing a loud crash followed by the sound of a vehicle speeding away, leaving behind a scene of destruction at the store’s entrance.

The suspects reportedly attached a chain or heavy-duty cable to the ATM, which was bolted to the floor inside the grocery store. Using the power of the SUV, they yanked the machine free, causing significant damage to the store’s storefront. The ATM, believed to contain thousands of dollars in cash, was loaded into the vehicle before the suspects fled the scene. Chicago police have not disclosed the exact amount of money stolen, but similar ATM thefts in the region have involved sums ranging from $10,000 to $50,000.

A store employee, who wished to remain anonymous, described the aftermath: “I came in for my shift and saw the front of the store completely smashed. The ATM was gone, and there was glass everywhere. It’s terrifying to think this happened right here.” The grocery store, a staple in the Lincoln Park community, has temporarily boarded up its entrance while repairs are underway.

Police Investigation and Suspect Details

The Chicago Police Department is actively investigating the incident, with detectives from Area Three leading the effort. Authorities have confirmed that the SUV used in the crime was stolen, though specific details about the vehicle, such as its make or model, have not been released to the public. Surveillance footage from nearby businesses and traffic cameras is being reviewed to identify the suspects, but no arrests have been made as of May 26, 2025.

Police have described the suspects as a group of individuals, possibly three to four in number, based on similar ATM thefts in the region. While no specific descriptions of the suspects have been provided in this case, law enforcement has noted that ATM theft crews often operate in coordinated groups, with some members acting as lookouts while others handle the physical theft. The FBI’s Chicago field office has also been alerted, as ATM thefts sometimes fall under federal jurisdiction due to the involvement of financial institutions.

A Growing Trend of ATM Thefts

ATM thefts are becoming an alarming trend across the United States, particularly in urban areas like Chicago. Criminals are increasingly targeting cash machines at grocery stores, convenience stores, and standalone bank branches due to their accessibility and the potential for significant cash hauls. In many cases, thieves use stolen vehicles, such as SUVs or pickup trucks, to smash into buildings or pull ATMs from their mounts, as seen in the Lincoln Park incident.

Community Reaction and Safety Concerns

The Lincoln Park ATM theft has rattled residents and business owners in the neighborhood, which is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and low crime rates compared to other parts of Chicago. Local business owners are now reevaluating their security protocols. Many small businesses, including grocery stores and convenience stores, rely on ATMs to attract customers who need cash for transactions. However, these machines also make them targets for thieves.

Broader Implications for Chicago and Beyond

The Lincoln Park ATM theft is part of a larger wave of property crimes in Chicago, including burglaries and robberies targeting businesses. Nationwide, ATM thefts pose a significant challenge for law enforcement. The FBI reported that ATM-related crimes, including physical thefts and electronic skimming, cost financial institutions and businesses millions of dollars annually.

Conclusion

As the investigation into the Lincoln Park ATM theft continues, authorities are appealing to the public for help. Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact the Chicago Police Department’s Area Three detectives at (312) 744-8263 or submit an anonymous tip through the department’s website. For now, the Lincoln Park community is left grappling with the aftermath of this bold crime, and residents and business owners are urged to remain vigilant.

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