Robbers break into Slidell ATM and take cash

Slidell police are looking for a suspect or suspects that broke into the automated teller machine at the ASI Credit Union 1332 Gause Boulevard sometime after 11 p.m. Saturday.

It seems that the thief or thieves were very adept at what they were doing, because the police said they disabled the ATM’s video cambers around 11:30 p.m.

Slidell police spokesman, Capt. Kevin Foltz said that the video shows only one person coming to the ATM minutes before the camera was disabled. Foltz said the person was a legitimate credit union customer and is not considered a suspect.

The thieves did not force their way into the ATM. Foltz said the suspects either had a key to the machine, or they were able to pick the exterior lock. The thief of thieves then drilled into the combination lock to the safe, opened the door and made off with an undetermined amount of money. Foltz said detectives estimate the entire heist took about nine minutes.

Detective Brian Nicaud is in charge of the investigation, and said police are waiting for video from the bank’s other camera to see if they suspect or suspects were captured on camera. Police Chief Freddy Drennan said his department is checking with other agencies to see if they had experience similar robberies.

“We believe that the suspects knew what they were doing, and that it was not their first time,” Drennan said.

Anybody who has any information on the robbery, or who may have seen any suspicious activity at the ASI Credit Union between the hours of 11 p.m. and midnight Saturday, should call Nicaud at (985) 646-6181 or call CrimeStoppers at 1-877-903-7867.