Police: Thieves used blow torch to get into ATM at Camp Bowie bank

Three men used a blow torch to get into an ATM at the BBVA Compass Bank on Camp Bowie Tuesday morning, police said.

Police responded to a break-in at the bank shortly before 5 a.m. and arrived to find that the men had been in the ATM room with a blow torch, attempting to gain access to the safe.

At least 10 police units set up along Clovis Street next to the bank at 8875 Camp Bowie West. Police negotiators were on hand and a police helicopter circled overhead.

Police had yet to find anyone as of 8 a.m. and said the suspects were no longer in the building. They were checking a building next-door, police spokesman Bradley Perez said via email, and were searching the bushes and area nearby for clues.

Police in SWAT gear were seen leaving the bank about 7:45 a.m.

The attempted burglary came amidst what police call a “spree” of robberies since July, including seven bank robberies or attempted robberies since July 22.

This story was originally published August 8, 2017 at 7:48 AM with the headline "Police: Thieves used blow torch to get into ATM at Camp Bowie bank."