Thieves target Newport ATM

Thieves may have tried using a car to rip an ATM out of a Newport Beach Rite Aid over the weekend.

Shortly before 2 a.m. Saturday, Newport Beach police responded to a burglary call in the 1600 block of San Miguel Drive.

Someone had broken through the front of the store, destroying the sliding glass doors, merchandise and security equipment, Newport Beach police spokeswoman Jennifer Manzella said.

Police believe the target of the break-in was a stand-alone ATM.

“There were marks at the base of the ATM (that) indicated that there had been something attached to it or attempted to be attached to it,” Manzella said.

Skid marks were also found at the scene, suggesting the ATM was hooked up to a vehicle meant to pull it out, police said.

But the ATM stayed put because it was bolted to the floor, “which we highly recommend,” Manzella said.

The botched burglary caused about $17,600 in damage to the store, according to police.

— Jeremiah Dobruck

Twitter: @jeremiahdobruck