Two overnight thefts targeted ATM machines – one in Scripps Ranch and the other in Escondido.
Suspects used a cutting torch to burn a hole in the bank machine in the drive through area of Chase Bank on Scripps Poway Parkway.
Security guards at an alarm center watched the whole thing from the bank’s security camera and called police with the suspect vehicle description, a white full size Ford Econoline van.
Even though the thieves damaged the machine, the ATM and its contents were not stolen officials said.
Meanwhile, on North Broadway in Escondido, police say thieves got away with money from an ATM and a cash register.
The suspects used a white van to smash through the front doors of Midway Meat just before 2 a.m. Police described the van used as a white Chevy Astrovan.
Once inside, police say the suspects cut the ATM free with bolt cutters. The machine has not been recovered.
They also stole the cash register but somehow left behind a tip jar full of cash sitting right on the counter.
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An officer pursued what he believed may be the suspect van along Mountain Meadow Road and Cougar Pass. Officials say men in the truck were spotted throwing items out of the window.
San Diego County sheriff’s deputies were called to help in the pursuit but the suspects evaded arrest.
Between the two agencies, officials recovered some of the items left behind by the suspects and found several footprints that may be related to the crime.
The owners say the thieves may have still gotten away with thousands of dollars.
Investigators have not yet determined if the two incidents are related.
