AKRON, Ohio — The Akron Police Department is investigating an attempted smash and grab at a Circle K on East Cuyahoga Falls Sunday, according to a report released by the department on Monday.
Officers arrived just before 1:00 a.m. to Circle K where a red Jeep Liberty crashed into the front of the building, damaging the building and front door.
A male employee was in the business at the time and called 911.
"I can't imagine how frightening that was for whomever that employee was," said Lt. Michael Miller.
The unknown individuals were unable to get the ATM and fled the scene, leaving behind a stolen Jeep Liberty that was taken from Barberton.
"There's no limit to someone if you decide to commit a crime like this, then where does that stop?" Miller said.
The smash and attempted grab happened just six days after a similar incident in Fairlawn. In that case, a red Jeep Liberty drove into a credit union and the ATM was stolen.
No one has been arrested for either crime.
"And basically, they call it smash, grab, chain, drag, and get out," security expert Tim Dimoff said.
Dimoff said these types of bold crimes have been increasing in recent years and are often committed by groups that won't stop until they're caught.
"Usually when it happens, it does stimulate some repetitive patterns," Dimoff said.
To lessen the chances of becoming a victim, Dimoff said businesses should consider putting ATMs in the back of stores and think about buying steel or concrete bollards to block thieves.
"Those pylons stop a vehicle from being able to ram the door or the front wall or glass," Dimoff said.
Anyone with information regarding the incident in Akron is encouraged to call the Akron Police Department Detective Bureau at 330-375-2490 or 330-375-2Tip.
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