Experts say thefts of ATMs becoming more common in Iowa

CLIVE, Iowa (AP) - Security experts have said thefts of ATMs are becoming more common in Iowa because weapons and interaction with others aren't necessary during the crime.

People see ATMs as attractive targets because stealing one is like robbing a bank without having to point a gun at anyone, officials told KCCI-TV (http://bit.ly/1uyolQ0 ) Thursday.

"They perceive that as less of a crime, and therefore less of a risk so if they go in and they take these things, they've mitigated the risk," said Kelly Willis, a retired Des Moines police officer.

Recent cases in Iowa have led authorities to believe it's becoming a common crime.

Police are still searching for a man they believe to have used a stolen truck to ram two ATMs Tuesday at the 7 Flags Event Center in Clive. In a robbery in Des Moines, a man dragged the machine out of the lobby of the Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center. Yet another ATM theft at a bar in Van Meter involved someone hooking a tow strap to the machine and yanking it from the floor and out the door.

Tom Conley, owner of the Urbandale-based Conley Security Group, said the machines should be remodeled so that the interior is anchored to the floor, because most are easily removable and light enough for one person to carry.

Conley also said surveillance cameras should be monitored to prevent further thefts of ATMs.

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Information from: KCCI-TV, http://www.kcci.com