Newton Citizen

Photo by Howard Reed

COVINGTON -- Would-be thieves were apparently spooked early Wednesday morning when they attempted to steal an ATM machine from Essex Bank on Ga. Highway 142.

According to Covington Police Department spokesman Capt. Ken Malcom, about 3:30 a.m. officers responded to an alarm call at the bank.

"Upon their arrival they discovered damage to the drive-thru area of the bank and that the ATM machine had been stolen," Malcom said Wednesday afternoon.

Officers began canvassing a nearby wooded area and discovered an abandoned red Dodge Ram truck, as well as a forklift.

"When the officers approached the vehicle, they discovered the stolen ATM machine in the bed of the truck," Malcom said. "I believe the fast response of our officers disrupted their plans and we were able to recover the ATM, the truck and the forklift. They were probably afraid we were going to be close so they left."

The truck was determined to have been stolen from Gwinnett County and the forklift was taken from a construction site near the bank, Malcom said.

"It's good that we were able to get the equipment and get it back to the owners. We're just hoping that anybody who may have seen anything will help us with this," he said.

Officers are still searching the area for the suspects and are asking for the public's help.

"Information that you may have may help develop leads in this case," Malcom said.

Information can be left anonymously on this and any other case on the Covington Police website at www.covingtonpolice.com by clicking on the anonymous tip icon located on the left side. The tip line at 770-385-6430 can also be used or Malcom can be reached at 770-833-7251.