Two people attempted to steal an ATM at a gas station on State Highway 21 early Monday morning, according to officials with the Atmore Police Department.

According to an APD press release, at 4:45 a.m. Monday police responded to a burglary complaint at the Shell gas station, located at 6540 State Highway 21 North.

Upon their arrival, officers discovered that the business had been forcibly entered, due to broken glass near the front door. They also noticed rolls of coins in the parking lot, which were likely left behind by the suspects.

After viewing security footage from the gas station, officers observed a white SUV entering the parking lot of the store. The SUV backed up to the front door and a male suspect exited the vehicle and attempted to steal an ATM by placing a chain around it.

According to the release, a second female suspect entered the store and immediately went behind the counter to begin searching for money. Officers said the male suspect was unable to remove the ATM, because the chain broke.

Officers also noted that while the SUV was backing up to the front door, the rear door hatch was upright and struck the top of the building, causing damage to the rear door of the vehicle. After two failed attempts to steal the ATM, the suspects reportedly fled the area, travelling north on Highway 21.

Officers said this is the second time in less than a year that vandals have attempted to steal the ATM by using a chain.

Anyone having any information about either of these crimes is asked to call the APD at (251) 368-9141.