By Sara Strong
A burglar used spray paint to keep his appearance from cameras before he managed to remove an ATM machine from First National Bank, Luverne.
At about 10:30 p.m. Thursday, July 18, the man walked into the vestibule of First National where the ATM is located for customers. He managed to loosen bolts and take the entire ATM with him.
The thief is pictured as the camera recorded him before he painted its lens.
Employees reporting for work Friday morning reported the theft.
An undisclosed amount of $20 bills was in the machine at the time it was taken. It was found empty of all cash in Maplewood Cemetery, rural Luverne.
Rock County Investigator Clyde Menning said the ATM is being processed for fingerprints or any other evidence that may be helpful to the case.
First National President Ryan DeBates said the ATM has been replaced and that "correct measures were done to make sure it doesn't happen again."
He said, "It's unfortunate, but it shouldn't disrupt things for our customers."